Summer Theatre in El Paso

Looking at the theatre calender in El Paso for the month of July you will find tons of shows to satisfy any theatre appetite.

Jess and I had the pleasure of watching Avenue Q last month on the Campus of El Paso Community College at Transmountain.  The show had us laughing from start to finish and we left the theatre that evening impressed with the nice facility and talented actors and technicians that call it their home.  Director Keith Townsend has done a fine job in resurrecting this top notch theatre program.
 
Digging around I found a few other shows that we are hoping to catch this month.  Hope this info is helpful to you in your search for a great night of theatre entertainment.

Spring Awakening at EPCC

Spring Awakening” —July 26-29. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including the awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score. With a ravishing rock score by Duncan Sheik, this brave new musical restores the mystery and thrill to the shattering transformation that stirs in each soul, sometime around age 13. Directed by Keith Townsend.
Transmountain Campus Forum Theatre on Hwy 54 (Diana exit). Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Proceeds benefit EPCC Performance Studies student scholarships. Admission: $15 ($10 non-EPCC students/military; $7 EPCC students/staff and seniors). Tickets may be reserved at the Forum Box Office at 831-5056.
No one under age 7 admitted.

Metropolis at UTEP

"Metropolis" -- The UTEP Dinner Theatre will stage the musical version of the landmark sci-fi silent film through July 22. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays (no meal). Full-price tickets range from $24 to $40, depending on the day. Discounts are available for children, students, and UTEP faculty, staff and Alumni Association members. 747-6060, academics.utep.edu/udt

‘42nd Street’ — The El Paso Independent School District’s Fine Arts Department presents its 27th annual musical production at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, July 25-28, at Coronado High School’s Ross Capshaw Theatre, 100 Champions Place. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes, this swinging musical features music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. Tickets: $5 ($3 students, seniors and military). Information: 760-8520.




Ruddigore

‘Ruddigore’ — The Gilbert and Sullivan Company of El Paso celebrates its 43rd season with the supernatural comic opera (aka “The Witch’s Curse”) at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 27-28, Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Tickets: $12 ($10 students, seniors and military). Information: 591-6210 or GandSelpaso.org. Sir Despard Murgatroyd is a man under pressure. He has inherited a witch’s curse forcing him to commit a crime a day or die in agony. So it’s a huge relief when shy Robin Oakapple is revealed as his long-lost elder brother – true inheritor of the curse.
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‘Alice in Wonderland’ – El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, hosts their stage version of the Lewis Carroll classis June 29-July 21. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Directed by Stephanie Ortega. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military/students with ID; $5 students under 18). Information: 532-1317,elpasoplayhouse.com.

Alice at the El Paso Playhouse

El Paso Upcoming Running Events

Decided it was time I started to hit the pavement and run as far as my old legs could take me.  My first 5K will be next Saturday at Ascarate park.  I don't think I am 100% ready but don't want my lack of training to be an excuse for never getting started. 
Here is a list of  a few of the races  being held in El Paso in the next few weeks:

EPWU Run For Mission 5k
7/21/12
Ascarate Park
$1.00 parking fee per car
Race starts at 7:30 am
Fees:  $25 after July 14
Packet pickup at Up and Running, 3233 N. Mesa from 11am-6 pm
http://www.epwu.org/run
Information:
Marisela Barcenas 915.594.5517

Child Crisis Center of El Paso Trot for Tots 5K CHALLENGE 5K Walk and Competitive Run Location -Planet Fitness-5700 N. Mesa 8:00 A.M. Saturday, July 28,2012

ANCLA 5k Run and Fun
1 mile fun walk/5k competitive run
Saturday, August 4, 2012
7:30 AM
Album Park
To register for these events or for more info check out raceadventuresunlimited.com/

Would love to hear any suggestions for what I should add to my running music tracks that will keep me motivated on my runs.  Hope to see you put there next Saturday.  I'll be the one lying on the stretcher at the finish line. 

Be Brave and take your kids to see this film.

This afternoon Stevo, Jazzy, and I decided to beat the El Paso heat by catching a movie in a nice air-conditioned theatre.

Stevo and I had our hearts set on watching the new Spiderman movie but Jazzy wanted to catch something a little less boring and was happy when we missed the starting time for our movie.  We decided to buy tickets to Brave and came out of the theatre pleasantly surprised.

Brave is a great movie with a strong message about family, love, destiny, and inner strength. Jazzy teared up towards the end of the movie and let out a big sigh of relief when the heroine, Merida, saved her mother from the curse she herself had placed on her. 

I am really glad we missed Spiderman and caught this film instead. The short film La Luna that was shown before Brave was also a nice little treat. I strongly recommend this film for all dads and their daughters (and sons for that matter). We all give Brave two big thumbs up. Would like to know if you have any must see family movies this summer. Please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading.

Watch "Brave Trailer" on YouTube

Watch "Pixar's La Luna Movie Clip "Shooting Star" Official 2012 [HD]" on YouTube

Alice opens this weekend at the El Paso Playhouse

What do you get when you throw a tea party where some of the guests include a mad hatter, an angry Queen, a hyper hare and a charming girl named Alice?  You get a great show for the entire family at the El Paso Playhouse. 

Alice opens this weekend and will run thru July 21.  The talented  young cast and crew have been working hard during rehearsals to bring the world of wonderland to life.  I am proud to say that my son was fortunate to land a part in this production and will be playing the part of Tweedledee. It is great too see many new faces on stage  helping to kick off a new season.

It has been amazing to watch how the El Paso community has come together to help director Stephanie Ortega's vision come to life.  The cast and crew along with parent volunteers worked tirelessly to create  wonderland. Ms. Ortega has done a wonderful job in handling all the details and issues involved in putting on a quality theatrical production. 

If you want to spend an entertaining  evening with your family I strongly encourage you to come out to the El Paso Playhouse to catch Alice.  You are sure to have a magical evening.

Alice
El Paso Playhouse
2501 Montana
Tickets are $1O for adults
$7 for students
Showtimes are 8 pm Fri. and Sat.  and 2 pm on Sunday
Call   915 532-1317 for more

Lady Ranger Basketball Camp

Our Lady Ranger Basketball Team will be hosting a basketball camp this week for girls 8 years old thru 8th grade.

The camp will begin at 9:00 am and will end at 11:30.  Cost for the three day camp is $15 dollars.  All campers will receive a camp shirt. If any child cannot pay for the camp they will not be turned away.  We want to be able to provide a quality camp experience for any child who wants to learn the game of basketball.

If you have any questions you can contact me at 915 667-3855 or at ssolis3@yisd.net.

John Skelton NFL Experience Camp

Arizona Quarterback and former Burges High School star John Skelton will be hosting a free football camp tomorrow (June 22) at Burges High School. Registration for the camp begins at
8 am. 

It is great to see athletes like Skelton come back to El Paso to work with kids in the community. I will be taking Stevo out of bed at the crack of dawn to head out to the camp. 

Kudos to Skelton for giving back to our community.
Check out his website for more info:

John Skelton Football Camp

Billy The Kid Festival in San Elizario

If we can stand the El Paso heat this weekend we definitely will be heading out to San Elizario to catch the Billy the Kid Festival. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday June 9th and 10th.

Think we might leave the house a little early to catch the downtown artist market on Saturday before heading out to San Eli. Here is some info on the market: Downtown Artist Market — The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department’s market for area artists are Saturdays on Anthony Street in the Union Plaza area along Anthony Street. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space for about 53 artists available each month. Information: 541-4481.

Riverside Children's Theatre Troupe Celebrate World Ocean's Day at the EP Zoo.

Our new children's theatre troupe at Riverside High School was invited to perform at this weekends World Oceans Day festival at the El Paso Zoo. Tons of activities for the kids. The Splash Pad is a big hit. Highly recommend families come out to this great event.

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Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Andy Lee Fight at the Sun Bowl

With the school year coming to a close I have a little more time to devote to my blog.  Tons of stuff got in the way of me posting in the last month or so but things have slowed down enough so I can get back to one of my passions.  I am excited about the events coming up in June in the Sun City. Great outdoor concerts, plays, sporting events and festivals make for a very busy and entertaining month.

 One of the events that I am most psyched about is the big fight between Chavez Jr. and Andy Lee on June 16th in the Sun Bowl.

 I am glad the entire El Paso community fought for this fight when it seemed the University of Texas system Chancellor Fransisco Cigarroa had cancelled it due to security concerns.  El Pasoans are still upset that beer won't be allowed in the Sun Bowl for the fight but I am just glad that the fight will go on as scheduled.  I think Andy Lee has a great shot at pulling out the victory in the fight.  He has a devastating left hand and real power behind his punches.  Chavez Jr. will have a huge challenge on his hands but has the skills and the crowd support  behind him to get the victory. 

You Tube Video by ( VicRattlehead79 )


This fight will have the Sun Bowl rocking and I hope that it helps to attract future fights to our great city. 

The El Paso Santos and the EP Patriots Get Ready To Open Season.

Pecos Soccer League

Great to see that El Paso will be getting another activity that we can take our family to that won't break the bank and should provide a few hours of solid entertainment.  We are not huge soccer fans but we love attending events at Cohen Stadium and look forward to seeing what this new soccer team has to offer.  We haven't taken the kids to a Patriots soccer game since we moved here but will be putting these two teams on our list of things to catch in 2012.

The Santos will be part of the newly formed Pecos soccer league.  Other teams in the league include: Roswell Aliens, Juarez Juventus, Alamogordo Stealth, and the Hatch Chile Kickers.  Soccer in the Sun City.  Just another reason why we love living on the border.

Follow the Team on Facebook at El Paso Santos 
or Follow them on Twitter at El Paso Santos on twitter

Check out the new El Paso Patriots Website by clicking Patriots Soccer

Here is the home schedule  and ticket information for the El Paso Santos:

$5 per ticket, 6 and under gets in free. Before each game both teams will be escorted onto field by local youth teams. For Tickets, Standings and Rosters visit http://www.PecosSoccer.com or call 575-680-2212

El Paso Santos 2012 Schedule:

  Feb 19 @ HAT

*Feb 25 vs ROS – 2:00

*Mar 3 vs HAT – 2:00

 Mar 10 @ ROS

*Mar 17 vs ALA – 2:00

*Mar 24 vs JUA – 2:00

*Apr 7 vs ALA – 2:00

*Indicates Home Game.

UTEP VS Oklahoma in 2012 Season Opener

I was pretty surprised this week when UTEP head football coach Mike Price announced that the Miners would be playing Oklahoma in the 2012 season opener.  I know Mike Price always talks about being confident in his team but come on we are talking about the Oklahoma "We killed Texas Texas 55-17 last year" Sooners.

I for one am glad that Utep has decided to take on the mighty Boomer Sooner Nation.  What a great game for El Paso football fans in our own backyard.  I know plenty of El Pasoans think Price has lost his mind with the tough schedule he has laid out for next year but I think it is pure genius.  He packs the Sun Bowl and can use the quality of opponents as a great recruiting carrot to dangle in front of potential players.

Maybe the Miners will catch a little bit of the Linsanity underdog bug and pull off the epic upset.  Maybe they get crushed and have to put their punter in as quarterback by the time Conference play comes around.  Either way, you got to be jumping at the chance to see if the Miners can create their own version of the David and Goliath story.

What do you think?  Is Price insane or a football genius?  Oklahoma vs UTEP in the Sun Bowl.  Another reason why we love living on the border!

Here is the complete UTEP 2012-2013 Football Schedule:

Saturday 09/01/12

Oklahoma Sooners Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 09/08/12

at Ole Miss Rebels Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS

Saturday 09/15/12

New Mexico State Aggies Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 09/22/12

at Wisconsin Badgers Camp Randall Stadium, Madison,  WI

Saturday 09/29/12

at East Carolina Pirates Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC

Saturday 10/06/12

SMU Mustangs Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 10/13/12

at Tulsa Golden Hurricane Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, OK

Saturday 10/20/12

Tulane Green Wave Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 10/27/12

at Houston Cougars Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX

Saturday 11/03/12

---

Open Date

Saturday 11/10/12

UCF Knights Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 11/17/12

at Southern Miss Golden Eagles M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS

Saturday 11/24/12

Rice Owls Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX

Saturday 12/01/12

C-USA Championship Game Hosted by team with highest C-USA winning %

Girls Basketball Playoffs

Good luck to all the EL Paso girls basketball teams playing tonight in the area round of the playoffs. I think a few teams have a chance at heading to the next round if they can handle the playoff pressure. Here is the schedule of this weekends playoff schedule.

Class 4A
Friday Games

Burges vs Canyon at Odessa College

Horizon vs Frenship at Odessa College 5pm

Irvin vs Palo Duro at Odessa High 5pm

Chapin vs Plainview at Odessa College 6:30 pm.

Class 3A

Mt. View vs Shallowater at Kermit High 5pm

Saturday
Class 5A

Bel Air vs Arlington Lamar at 4 pm Midland Christian High School

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Happy VaLINtines Day. This Lin kid is for real!

Checked my twitter after one-act play rehearsal tonight and the thing was blowing up with everyone and their grandmother tweeting about the amazing Jeremy Lin and his performance in the clutch vs. the Raptors tonight.  

Linsanity has been taking over the the social media world these past few weeks but I was a little hesitant to jump on the Lin bandwagon so soon.  I had never heard of the kid and thought that the Knicks were just riding a good thing that would sooner or later run out of gas. 

Unlike Floyd Mayweather , I am man enough to admit that I was wrong.  This guy is the real deal.  I find myself rooting for him now just like I did for Tebow during football season.  Love the way he stays humble and gracious in his post game interviews.  His  story will no doubt be the stuff of NBA  legend if he is able to take the Knicks to the promised land this year.

 What do you guys think?  Will Linsanity continue to sweep the world or will his star fade much like JJ Barea after he helped the Mavericks win an NBA Title.  I'm hoping that this kid continues to light it up on the court.  Inspiring story that keeps getting better and better.

Here are the ten most ridiculous (and pretty clever) Jeremy Lin inspired sayings according to AskMen.com. 

10. Lin It To Win It!
9. The Lin Crowd
8. Linsider
7. Lint Condition
6. Ooh, Ling (Ewing)
5. Linscrafters
4. Linnin
3. Lin Time
2 . Lin Man
1. Lin

My favorite that didn't make the list:  All I Do Is Lin!

Gabriel Iglesias at the Don Haskins Tomorrow!

 

I want to thank Gabriel Iglesias for coming into the Sun City with his Stand-up Revolution Tour at the Don Haskins center this Friday.  I was struggling to think of what to get Jess for Valentines Day and he made the gift-giving so much easier with his concert.  Jess absolutely loves this guy and this concert will be the fourth  show she has caught.  I love the fact that his comedy is clean (for the most part) and his stories are fresh and full of crazy characters. Gabriel seems like a down to earth guy who generally cares about his fans.   Hope El Paso shows the "Fluffy" guy  some love and sell out his show at the Don tomorrow night. 

This has  been a great month for entertainment in El Paso.  Wicked, Gabriel Iglesias, The Harlem Globetrotters, and Dralion have made this an action packed month in the Sun City.  Hopefully the entertainment will continue to roll into town month after month.  Fluffy on a Friday Night.  Just another reason why we love living on the border.

Check out the article What's Up did with Gabriel Iglesias this week by clicking the following link: What's Up Article.

El Paso and Triple-A Baseball

 

Tucson Padres 2011 Images

Great news for El Paso baseball fans if everything falls into place. The rumor has been out there before about triple- A ball returning to the sun city but those plans never materialized. What a huge gain for the City of El Paso if everything gets worked out and El Paso is able to land the Tucson Padres team.

Keeping my fingers crossed. Click on the El Paso Times story to learn more.

Below is a video of the Reno Aces ballpark in Nevada.  How great would it be to get one of these in El Paso.

Will El Paso Be Tebowing in near future?

I was intrigued by the small article in the El Paso Times today that discussed the plans of Abundant Living  Faith Center Pastor Charles Nieman to bring Tim Tebow to his 3,600 seat auditorium in the near future.  Pastor Nieman didn't make any promises but did say his church was entertaining the though of possibly bringing the Denver Quarterback to the Sun City soon.

I was kind of shocked at all the negative comments posted on the internet regarding the plans.  People really seem to love Tebow or hate him with a passion that would make Oscar the Grouch proud.  I think Tebow is a great role model for young athletes across the Globe.  So the guy prays on the field before, after, and sometimes during the games.  It could be worse.

I think Tebow is a breath of fresh air in the sporting world and would love to get a chance to take my family to hear him speak about his faith and life experiences.  Hats off to Pastor Nieman for trying to bring something positive to our community.  Will be "Tebowing" in hopes of getting to see this great young man in  El Paso soon.  #Tim Tebow controversy.  Just another reason why I love living in the Sun City.

Wicked in El Paso

I am not ashamed to admit that I am looking forward to catching Wicked this week at the Plaza Theatre more than Cowboy fans look forward to the start of next season.  I have heard great things about the show and was lucky enough to get tickets for my wife and I for Wednesdays show.

The reviews in the El Paso Times have all been positive and the reaction from a couple of my students who went to watch the show last week has been great.  I'll post my thoughts this weekend about our Wicked experience. 

The month of February also sees the Cirque Du Soleil show Dralion fly into the Don Haskins Center from the 15th-19th.   I haven't got my hands on tickets yet but think the kids would love to check out this show.

 

Dralion Information

If you had a chance to see Wicked let me know what you thought by posting a few notes on the blog.  Great to see big time shows making their way to our city.  Let's get out and support the efforts of the promoters responsible for bringing in these quality acts.  El Paso is on the verge of making things happen for people who love and appreciate the arts.  Just another reason why we love living in the Sun City.

Riverside Beats Canutillo in Alumni Football Game.

I had the pleasure of watching two great alumni teams go at one another like two junkyard dogs going after a bone this past Saturday night.  The Riverside and Canutillo alumni football game was one for the ages. These guys fought as if their lives depended on it and almost saw the game go into overtime before a late second touchdown gave the Rangers a 20-14 victory. The Rangers were led by a great performance by running back Ryan Vidales and Quarterback Mike Stephenson. The Ranger defense was also huge in coming up with big stops in the fourth quarter.  Hats off to Head Coach David Cortinas and Coach Recorder and Levario for getting these guys ready to play.

The alumni game was organized by Alumni Football USA and was the first full contact alumni game that Riverside has participated in.  Click on the link  from the El Paso Times to check out other El Paso schools that participated in other alumi games.



I encourage everyone to get out and watch or play in next years games.  The action is non-stop and the hits are brutal.   Like Shane Falco once said, "Pain Heals. Chicks Dig Scars. Glory Lasts Forever."

Miner women keep on rolling on basketball court.

I am really impressed with the season the Lady Miners are having this year. Head coach Keitha Adams has done a remarkable job with the program and has the team the verge of a Conference USA title. The team has a great bench and can play in your face D that would make the Bear proud. If you have a chance you need to head out to the Haskins Center to catch these ladies in action. Click on the link for the EP Times article on the big win. El Paso Times Article on Keitha Adams 300th Win.

Utep Freshman Julian Washburn's Dunk vs ECU

Saw this video on the KROD webpage and had to post on my blog.  This dunk by Washburn is just filthy. The thing that keeps hope alive for fans like me is that Washburn and almost the entire Miner team are just freshmen.  The Miners are up and down this year but the future looks good for this young team.    I think they can put a few wins together and get a nice seed in the Conference USA tournament in Memphis.