Subrosa Union Concert at the Chamizal

Marc Martel (guitar)

Jazzy and I finally got a chance to head out to the Music Under The Stars concert series at The Chamizal tonight to catch Subrosa Union in action.  Subrosa Union has been touring for nine years and are now based out of Austin.  These guys put on a great show and had the crowd, including my Jazzy, dancing to their funky reggae/latin style. 

Jazzy enjoying the concert

The crowd at the Chamizal seemed small at first, probably a direct result of the alcohol ban, but it quickly grew as the sun went down.  I know many El Pasoans are upset about the alcohol ban but I am glad that the park decided to prohibit booze from their concerts.  The city has plenty of events where you can drink and listen to music on any given night.  If you absolutely have to throw one back you can head out to Speaking Rock and drink to your hearts delight.

 If you missed this show tonight because of the alcohol ban, you missed catching a great and energetic band playing their tails off for a supportive El paso crowd.  I encourage you to fill up your ice-chest with your favorite non-alcoholic beverage and head out to the Chamizal next Sunday.  I really don't think you'll be disappointed.

Michael Anaya (guitar and vocals)

Check out the groups website to learn more about the music of Subrosa Union. Subrosa Union Website

Delta Nove will be bringing its "World Funk Sound" to the Music Under The Stars Stage next Sunday.

Listen to Delta Nova by clicking on their link.   Delta Nove

Upcoming Summer Theatre Productions In El Paso

I was happy to see that a new theatre company called the Green Apple Theatre Collective is staging its first production on Friday  July 15th at the Glasbox Gallery located at 1500 Texas Avenue.  The company will be taking on the entertaining play Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks.  The play chronicles the lives of two brothers Lincoln and Booth as they try to survive and cope with women, racism, gambling, and their rough upbringing.  I applaud the Company for breathing new life into the El Paso theatre scene and wish them all the success in the world with their debut.  Check out the article by Doug Pullen of the El Paso Times that sheds more light on the company and the production.  Doug Pullen Article on Green Apple Theatre Collective




The Utep Theatre Department will be staging Urinetown The Musical as part of its dinner theatre season this month. Urinetown debuted at the New York International Fringe Festival, and then was produced Off-Broadway at the American Theatre for Actors, from May 6, 2001 to June 25, 2001. The show takes place at the Utep Dinner Theatre located at the Utep Union, West Wing.  Show runs through July 24th.  Performances are at 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 pm July 17th and 24th.  For more information call  747-5234, or 747-6060.  Check out the article written in the El Paso Times for more details on the production. Urinetown Article in the El Paso Times

The UTEP Department of Theatre and dance will be staging the William Shakespeare Classic The Tempest from July 22nd thru July 31st.  Tickets for the show range from $8-$10 dollars. For reservations and more info call 747-5118.



The El Paso Playhouse is nearing the finish line for its run of the A Few Good Men.  I have had a great time performing with the talented cast in this first production of the 2011-2012 season for the Playhouse. The director, Darci Georges, deserves a ton of credit for bringing such a great story to life.  The show will have its final two performances on Friday July 15th and Saturday July 16th at 8pm.  To reserve your seat for the show call (915) 532-1317.  Remember to tell them Smiling Jack
Ross sent you.





The El Paso Independent School Distict will stage the musical Bye Bye Birdie at Coronado High School's Ross Capshaw Theatre July 20-23.  Curtain goes up at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are a steal at only $5 ($3 for students, seniors, and military).  The theatre is located at 100 Champions Place.




The EPCC Summer Repertory Company will conclude its 3rd annual summer season with four productions at the EPCC Transmountain Campus Forum theatre on Highway 54 (Diana exit). Tickets for the productions start at $10 ($5 for students, faculty, staff, military, and seniors).  Box office opens at 6:30 pm.  Info: 831-5056 or 831-3205.

July 14-16  Eleven: A New 1930's Musical Fable.

July 16, 23, and 30. Rodeo Mongolia: A Children's Musical (shows begin at 2pm)

July 21-22.   My Big Gay Italian Wedding

July 28-30.  The Great American Trailer Park Musical