2 • Socorrofest 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • October 10, 2012
File photo
In 2011 dancers and musicians dance and play late into the night.
Table of Contents Pet Parade ............................................................................................................ Page 2 Harmonica contest ............................................................................................. Page 3 Musician profiles ............................................................................................... Page 3 SocorroFest schedule ......................................................................................... Page 4 Just for kids ......................................................................................................... Page 4 Featured artists ................................................................................................... Page 5 Spirit Tent ............................................................................................................ Page 6 Astrophotography contest ................................................................................ Page 7 Enchanted Skies Star Party ............................................................................. Page 8 Sevilleta day ....................................................................................................... Page 9 Alamo Indian Day ........................................................................................... Page 10 Alamo Indian Day schedule ........................................................................... Page 11
Pet parade kicks off SocorroFest events Starting at 11 a.m. registrations open at Zimmerly Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 13 for the Socorro Pet Parade. At noon a lineup of costumed pets will proceed from the school to the Plaza. Awards will be given out for best costume, funniest costume and most Socorro costume. Families, organizations and businesses
are encouraged to join, but no political statements please. All participants must agree to take their animals home after the winners are awarded. Donations received during the event will benefit the Socorro Animal Shelter and Socorro Consolidated School gardens. Call 518-8043 for more information.
SocorroFest
For 10 years people have been coming to the Socorro area just to celebrate music. In an extravaganza weekend, Socorro will light up with the sound of music of all kinds, including harmonica. SocorroFest kicks off with a street dance at the Plaza at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12. Doug Figgs and the Cowboy Way will lead off the evening until 8 p.m. when The Remedy takes the stage. On Saturday, Oct. 13, music will fill the town from three venues, the Plaza, the Old Town Bistro and the Capitol Bar. According to organizer Jennifer Gonzales, not only is the weekend about music but offers plenty to do for the younger set, with plans for a jumping balloon, obstacle courses, a train ride and the classic sand box. All family activities are free. Then there is the Spirit Tent, offering tastes from three New Mexico wineries and two New Mexico breweries. For a $5 entry cost, guests receive a SocorroFest glass and tastes of whatever the businesses have to offer. “Everybody has to have an ID to get in the Spirit Tent,” Gonzales said. “Even your 80 year old grandfather.” The music itself can be found on three different stages, she said. The Old Town Bistro is hosting a stage
which will feature area groups of all kinds. The Capitol Bar is hosting the harmonica contest and some groups from around the state. And the Plaza stage will have a wide variety from some of the biggest groups in New Mexico to local bands and performances by the Et Alia belly dancing troupe and fire dancer Emily Woolsy. Of course there will be plenty in terms of food, arts and crafts available. The Bumble Bee Corn Roaster will be on hand, Esocndida Grill with burgers and more and Flamigo Steve and his Italian Ice are just a beginning. In the arts and crafts line-up there will be everything from purses, jewelry and pottery to photos and candles. “This is your chance to come to buy your Christmas presents early,” Gonzales said. In fact, she said, this is a great time to visit the Socorro area with so much happening this weekend including a National Wildlife Refuge Week celebration at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge; the Enchanted Star Party; Alamo Indian Days; a pet parade and an astrophotography competition. “It is a great time to bring relatives to visit,” Gonzales said. “You will have something to do all day long. It’s going to be tons of fun.”
October 10, 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • Socorrofest 2012 • 3
Doug Figgs knows the cowboy way through the wild west Doug Figgs is a talented musician who brings Western, Folk and American music together. Figgs sings and plays more of the cowboy type of music, such as country, and continues to make music a priority in his life, he said. Playing lead guitar since he was 15 years old, he also sings and performs for audiences of all ages. “I have played other instruments, the guitar is more versatile, and I can play more types of music with the guitar,” Figgs said. Figgs likes southern, old country music and rock. Growing up with music in the family, his father was his inspiration because he played the fiddle, guitar, harmonica, banjo and mandolin. Figgs plays in other places besides New Mexico, such as in Prescott, Ariz. for the Cowboy Poets Gathering, Sierra Vista, Ariz., Coach Valley, Utah, Idaho, Texas and Colorado. Figgs also does solo guitar acts and plays with a band called The Cowboy Way — along with another well-known local musician, Mariam Funke. “I’m lucky to play with the best musicians around here,” Figgs said. “I take guitar lessons from Mariam, he does the recording.” Born in Prescott, Ariz., he has lived in Lemitar since 1987, where he moved to work on his horse farm, he said. Figgs
and Funke are currently working on a third CD with 18 original songs, and he also helps co-write the songs with Funke. There are western folk music song with country rock influence, he said. Figgs’ favorite artists include George Strait, and the Marshall Tucker Band who has also been an influence because their music tells stories, and some of the music he writes is similar, he said. Figgs takes guitar lessons from Funke who takes things on a whole new level. Funke expands all types of music and challenges him, he said. Figgs has 75 scheduled dates this year. He performs somewhere every weekend, including the Bodega Burger Lounge, Sofia’s Kitchen, the state fair in Albuquerque, the Old Town Bistro and at the Pie Town festival that’s held during the second weekend in September. “There are two things in my life, which are horses and music,” Figgs said. “I have made my living with horses, now I’m going to get serious with music and become a musician and get into more music.”
The air is rising with SocorroFest harmonica contest If you think the Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta has cornered the market on hot air, think again. There will be plenty of hot air blowing around at the third annual SocorroFest Harmonica Contest on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Capitol Bar in Socorro. The organizers of SocorroFest are inviting harmonica players from near and far to show off their mad harp skills for a wildly enthusiastic crowd of music lovers and the chance to win $600 in cash prizes. In Socorro harmonica players get their chance to show their talent. At the SocorroFest Harmonica Contest, they and their $25 entry fee are welcomed with open arms. The rules are simple. Contestants will have five minutes to wow the judges with any harp they can pull out of their pocket and any trick they can pull out of their hat. Any brand of harmonica, any style of instrument, any style of music. That alone is worth a trip to Socorro, never mind the rest of the 36 continuous hours of live music packed into three stages and featuring Doug Figgs and the Cowboy Way as well as many others. The first SocorroFest harmonica contest in 2008 was a small, friendly competition, held on the patio of the former
Stage Door Grill with a handful of local players. More prize money in subsequent years drew more attention and more participation from across the state. By 2011, nine participants had thrown their talents in the ring on stage and can be seen at www.socorrofest.com, with their full performances. Last year’s winner, Marvin Jaramillo, is a professional harmonica player from Albuquerque. “The stage fright is always there,” Jaramillo told Sonic Weekly reporter Anna Terrain in a 2006 interview. “I’ve been playing for 45 years and it never goes away; I shake and tremble every time I play because I don’t want people to watch me — I want them to hear me, but I don’t want them to watch me directly and that’s what makes me nervous.” Jaramillo not only plays on his own, but often can be seen on stage with fellow musicians. “I’ve played with several musicians, some that have inspired me and some that have really taken me to places musically that I’d never been before,” Jaramillo told Terrain. “Music is a one time thing, give it the best feeling you have and play with your heart.”
Audio Frenzy bursts on the music scene at SocorroFest Equally at home in a folk music setting or on a rock stage, Daisy Morgan, Stas Edel and Ryen Laphan of Audio Frenzy have invented a new term to describe what they do: terra metal. “We have a very earthy sound,” explains Lapham. “The wooden flutes, the kalimba, the hand drums give our music a very earthy tribal feel, but at the same time it’s driven by electric guitar.” They can vary their sound just by varying the percussion. For a louder sound — and a completely different energy — Lapham will play a full drum kit. It’s a dynamic act, and at the same time very fluid, and very hard to describe. One of the first things that strikes you is Morgan’s voice, both its unusual timbre and the carefully modulated way she uses it. It’s not so much a vehicle for getting the lyrics across as it is an instrument that only she can play. Edel, who plays guitar, sings backup, in a sometimes gravelly voice that blends well with Morgan’s. As versatile as Morgan, who plays wooden flute and kalimba, Edel also sings lead occasionally. A crowd favorite is a song from his native
Ukraine, called “Ja Ne Toi” — “I’m Not the One.” You don’t have to understand the lyrics to laugh along with it — you can tell it’s funny from the way Edel sings it. Unlike a lot of bands in Socorro, Audio Frenzy plays very few covers. Apart from the Ukrainian number and a few songs by The Black Keys, almost all of their music is entirely original, and their lyrics tend not to be about specific events or experiences. One, called “Linda,” is about something that happened to a friend’s mother, but most are somewhat intangible. “The lyrics are there to push the feeling of the song further,” Edel says. Which is not to say their songs are about nothing. “To me, they’re usually very somber,” Lapham says. “The imagery brought to mind is about overcoming obstacles, getting through the day. The lyrics just bring extra emotional content.” Underneath it all is Lapham’s percussion, steady as a heartbeat, pulling at the listener like a strong current in deep water. “Some of the longer pieces are definitely kind of thoughtful,” Edel says.
“The point of the length is definitely to listen into the music, immerse yourself.” Possibly their longest song at 15 minutes, and one of Lapham’s favorites, is called “Fall in New Mexico.” It’s a song in three movements — September, October and November, with spoken word poetry at the end. It’s a song that inspired one of the band’s posters — another thing that sets them apart from other bands in Socorro. For every gig, Edel comes up with wild, new art in a colorful sci-fi comic style, often featuring a one-eyed, manytentacled octopus-like creature. “We like octopuses in general,” Morgan says. “They have very big brains and can turn all kinds of colors.” At one point in his life, Edel spent a good deal of time doing astrophotography, which involves a lot of image processing and gave him the chance to learn Photoshop really well. He says it’s fun to be able to take that skill and apply it toward something completely different and creative. Edel is now a grad student in astrophysics, as is Lapham. Morgan is a grad student in geochemistry, with a background in conservation biology. Lapham
came to New Mexico Tech from Johnson City, Tenn. Morgan, the first in her family to go to college, came from what she’s refers to as the Chicagoland area in Illinois, and Edel came here from the Ukraine, via West Virginia. Edel is basically self-taught. Although he came from a musical family — his mother is a pianist and his sister teaches a traditional many-stringed Ukrainian instrument called a bandura, he wasn’t encouraged to play music growing up. “I view that as a fortunate thing that happened,” he says. “It’s difficult for me to communicate with other musicians sometimes, but it means I do not have as many boundaries. I have more creative freedom in how I express myself.” Audio Frenzy’s songs usually start a guitar riff or a bass line that might come to Edel anywhere, in class even, that he tries to hold in his memory long enough to capture by recording it on his cellphone. “Stas gets these waves of creativity and will write five or eight songs at once,” Lapham says. “There’s just no n See Audio Frenzy, Page 4
4 • Socorrofest 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • October 10, 2012
SocorroFest music schedule Plaza stage Friday, Oct. 12
6 to 7:30 p.m. Doug Figgs & The Cowboy Way The Cowboy Way is Jim “JC” Campbell, Rob Long, Jim Ruff and Mary Templeton. Together with Doug on lead vocals and guitar, they serve up a steady stream of cowboy, country and oldies dance music. 8 to 10 p.m. The Remedy
Saturday, Oct. 13 Noon to 12:30 p.m. Et Alia Socorro’s favorite belly dancing troupe, under the direction of Julie Johnson, performs a wide variety of traditional and folkloric dances. 12:30-1:15 p.m. Roon Ronna Kalish, Johnny Dean and Jim Ruff crank out folk, blues, and old time rock ‘n roll, hard to categorize, but always fun! 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Sorela D’ette and D’anna were born in Albuquerque and have been singing and entertaining for most of their lives. In 1997 the girls recorded “Si Quieres Verme Llorar” and “Eres Tu” under the name D’Girlz. Both songs gained major regional air play and established their unique sound, which blends elements of R & B, Pop, and Latin rhythms recorded in Spanish. The girls have performed and enjoyed recording traditional Spanish Mexican songs in ranchera, cumbia and ballad styles. 3 to 4:15 p.m. Reviva Revíva has made a name for themselves in the ABQ music scene through their inspiring lyrics, unique sound, and positive vibes. Forming in the fall of 2009, they turned ears with their original Burqueño/ Reggae/Rock rhythm and lyrics in both English and Spanish that touch the soul. 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. Socorro Community Band Directed by Eileen Comstock, with its repertoire of popular Americana marches and overtures. The band is an amalgam of Tech and community musicians. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pleasure Pilots The Pleasure Pilots specialize in vintage styles of rhythm and blues and their own original music. 6 to 6:15 p.m.
Socorro Community Band Directed by Eileen Comstock, with its repertoire of popular Americana marches and overtures. The band is an amalgam of Tech and community musicians. 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. The Kat Crosby Band The Kat Crosby Band — nothing but the Blues! Keeping live music alive in West Texas and New Mexico. 7:50-7:55 p.m. Fire Dancer Emily Woolsy delights with her exciting fire dancing prowess. 8:15-10 p.m. Red Wine Albuquerque’s high-energy variety band, playing rock, oldies, funk and Spanish.
Capitol Bar stage Saturday, Oct. 13
2 to 5 p.m. Fifth Annual Harmonica Contest Bring your harmonica and blow the house down at one of the best events of the season. 5 to 6 p.m. Reviva Revíva has made a name for themselves in the ABQ music scene through their inspiring lyrics, unique sound, and positive vibes. Forming in the fall of 2009, they turned ears with their original Burqueño/ Reggae/Rock rhythm and lyrics in both English and Spanish that touch the soul. 6 to 7 p.m. Toby & Ermie Jaramillo Local Spanish music favorites, playing everything from rancheros and polkas to haunting songs of love won and love lost. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bernie Romero Bernie Romero has one of the best Mexican folkloric voices you’re likely to hear in the southwest. He is a New Mexico treasure, knowing hundreds of traditional songs. His band features guitar, accordion and guitarron. You will typically find Bernie at weddings, anniversaries, parties, or at Manny’s Buckhorn Bar & Grill in San Antonio. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Felix y Los Gatos A favorite party band from Albuquerque playing Zydeco, Americana, Blues, Funk, rancheras and cumbias.
Old Town Bistro stage
like the blues, this band is the real deal.
Saturday, Oct. 13
1 to 1:45 p.m. Linda Mansell
2 to 2:45 p.m. Last Minute Bluegrass Band This multigenerational bluegrass, folk and old-time band features great harmonies, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and standup bass. Members: Roger Adams, Jim Ruff, Ted McVey, Shirley Coursey, and Francie & Mariah Deters. 3 to 3:45 p.m. Steve & Martha Cather Long-time area residents, geologists by day and musicians by night - Martha is a musical polymath: she sings and plays piano, guitar, requinto, accordion, and hammered dulcimer while Steve plays guitar and sings. 4 to 4:45 p.m. Peter Chase Classic Blues Rock band from El Paso. Guitar Slim and his band have played all over the southwest, including the Silver City Blues Festival. If you
5 to 5:45 p.m. Gary & Friends Playing and singing an eclectic mix of acoustic folk and blues since his high-school days in Tucson, AZ, he greatly enjoys the active live music scene in Socorro, where he lives and teaches Geology at New Mexico Tech. 6 to 6:45 p.m. Audio Frenzy Audio Frenzy is an emerging, experimental band in Socorro, New Mexico. Audio Frenzy combines an eclectic mix of music backgrounds ranging from jazz to metal, alternative rock to world music, with hints of blues and roots in tribal music. 7 to 7:45 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. to close Jazz Menage The splendid jazz standards of local band Jazz Menage, fronted vocally by Francie Deters, with John Weber on guitar, Tom Hunt on saxophone and clarinet and a variety of other great Socorro and New Mexico Tech musicians.
SocorroFest for the kids starts at the Plaza • Sand Box Fun • Gator Obstacle Course • Jumping Balloon
• Trackless Train Ride • Under the Sea Obstacle Course
Audio Frenzy
from PAGE 3
way we can get to all of them right away.” Sometimes the lyrics come separately from the song, and are pieced together later with new music, but mostly it’s a very collaborative process where everyone writes their own part. Then Edel will sometimes send a work in progress electronically to Clifton Murray, who often sits in with the band, to work out a bass part. “We trust each other,” Morgan says. “We let each other go creatively where they want to.” The band hopes to record an album in the future, but for now, grad school is the priority and music is the release. “It’s impossible to be a machine and doing work all the time,” Edel says. “Music is a way to get away and reset.” How they find time for studies is a mystery — they have four Socorro
gigs lined up in the near future. Friday night they’ll play a three-hour show at Old Town Bistro, and Saturday night they’re holding a benefit concert at the Capitol to help Morgan pay from medical bills from a recent foot surgery. Next Wednesday, they’ll be at Sofia’s, and the weekend before finals they’ll be the midnight show at the all-night Relay for Life event at Clarke Field. At the benefit concert they’ll be joined on stage by Clifton Murray, Socorro regulars Johnny Dean and Ronna Kalish, Keith Morris, a band called Richard Malcolm and the Unusual Suspects from Albuquerque, and more. Everyone’s welcome, and hand-percussionists are invited to bring a drum and sit in. The band will also be raffling off Audio Frenzy T-shirts and original Audio Frenzy art, including posters and pieces on canvas.
October 10, 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • Socorrofest 2012 • 5
Eighteen-year-old takes festival art honor Tess Mansfield found her love of art as a high school student in Socorro, “I was determined to find a hobby to occupy my time,” she wrote in her blog. “However, my interest in art became more than just a hobby, it became a passion that opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of a future career in the art field.” The 18-year-old grew up in Rodeo, N.M., moving to Socorro three years ago. She graduated in May this year from Socorro High School as a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. “Life hasn’t exactly been easy and I’ve wanted to give up so many times,” she said. “However, when you have a family as great as mine you want to be everything you can for them.” Mansfield said her mom is her best friend. “She’s helped me in so many ways that I can never really repay her,” she said. “She has always believed in me and for that I am where I am today.” When she began drawing a few years ago, Mansfield said she would get frustrated because nothing she drew seemed to turn out like she wanted it to. But her mom kept encouraging her and she kept practicing. “Today I’d say it really paid off,” Mansfield said. “I also owe a lot of thanks to an art teacher at Socorro High,
Mrs. Laurie Heintz, she really encouraged me to further my education in art.” The artistic world has provided Mansfield with some good opportunities, from drawing people’s tattoos, being offered the chance to help in painting a Socorro city mural and winning the SocorroFest T-shirt design. “For me, winning this design was a true honor,” she said. “It gives me motivation and determination to continue in my future career in art.” Mansfield said she has always been a determined individual believes hard work is the key to life. “I worked for everything I have and never expect anything to just be handed to me,” she said. “Throughout my life I only have one goal; be myself and never give up on my dreams. I’ll work hard because I believe that there is a reason why I was put onto this earth and I won’t stop until I figure out what that purpose is.” Moving to Albuquerque to attend the University of New Mexico, Mansfield said she is the first in her family to attend college and she hopes her two younger sisters will follow. “As of right now I am majoring in studio arts and minoring in business and communications,” she said. “When it’s all said and done I hope to have a suc-
cessful career in Graphic Design. I am super excited about seeing my design on a T-shirt at SocorroFest.” Mansfield said she wants to encourage everyone to go to SocorroFest, enjoy some live entertainment, participate in family activities and try some local food. “Hope so see you all there,” she said.
Glass Design by B.J.
Local artist Bobby Jo “B.J.” Lesperance has been a professional artist for seven years. Lesperance said she had a passion for art since pre-school when she created many drawings. In pre-school, she created a Christmas tree picture for a design contest, and when she was 10 years old her dad introduced her to a local artist of 15 years, Fernando Mercado. Mercado was an inspiration to her because he gave Lesperance her first set of professional markers, she said. Lesperance was president of the art club in high school, and took art classes after graduating.
“There is always inspiration in what you do,” Lesperance said. “The challenges are finding time,” Lesperance said. “I’m involved in a lot of things. I work two jobs. I want to just concentrate on art.” Lesperance said everyone in her family is an artist in their own way. Her two younger sisters also do art. Her sister A.J. does pencil work and her sister J.J. is a tattoo artist. Lesperance’s Day of the Dead paintings are well-known, and she is involved in the art community in Socorro. She has held the title of superintendant of the Socorro County Fair fine arts division for six years. For two years, in 2005 and 2011, she won the T-shirt contest for SocorroFest, and this year she designed the wine glass for the event. Last year’s T-shirt design for SocorroFest was chosen from artwork she did a few years back. “I didn’t compete, so it was pretty cool,” she said. In competitions, Lesperance has entered her artwork in the State Fair and recently won honorable mention for the Hispanic Fine Arts competition. She has also won several contests in Socorro County. “I love (art), it’s my greatest passion in life,” Lesperance said.
6 • Socorrofest 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • October 10, 2012
Five spirit creators offer samples The Spirit Tent at SocorroFest offers a taste of New Mexico beer and wine. With the $5 entrance fee, guests get a free commemorative glass with their entry. Only visitors with IDs will be allowed into the tent.
At the new Las Cruces Taproom live music to goes with the craft beer, every Wednesday in October, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. www.demingbrew.com
Turtle Mountain Brewing Company
St. Clair Winery
St Clair Winery is nestled in the heart of the Mimbres Valley in Deming, 34 miles from the Mexican border. The winery is situated on 15 acres with a 500,000 gallon capacity, using state of the art equipment to produce award winning wines with the expertise of winemakers Florent and Herve Lescombes. The vineyard is located 47 miles west of Deming with its elevation of 4,500 feet creating warm days and cool nights where there is often a difference between day and night temperatures of 30 degrees or more. This climate makes it possible to grow some of the best grapes in New Mexico. Emmanuel Lescombes, viticulturalist, manages the day to day operations of our vineyard, producing seven to 10 tons of grapes per acre on average. St. Clair currently has 180 acres planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and several other varietals. The vines are planted on 8′x5′ spacing which allows over 1,000 vines per acre. www.stclairwinery.com
Anasazi Fields Winery
Elva K. Österreich/El Defensor Chieftain
New Mexico environmental conditions make for a variety of local spirit creations from all across the state.
Anasazi Fields Winery sits on the western edge of the old village of Placitas. Orchards and vineyards surrounding the winery are watered by a springfed irrigation system that dates back over a thousand years to a time when the Anasazi people farmed the Placitas Valley. Nearby are the petroglyphs which have been reproduced on the wine labels. At Anasazi Fields Winery dry table wines are hand-crafted from fruits and berries other than grapes. Unlike most “fruit wines,” Anasazi Fields wines are not sweet dessert wines. Their delicious dryness makes them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The wines, such as plum wine, apricot wine, peach wine and blackberry wine, are crafted from area and other New Mexico fruits and berries. The winery also produces several dry grape-based wines and an off-dry cranberry wine for the holiday season. All of the wines, except the cranberry, are aged on oak for two or more years before bottling. www.anasazifieldswinery.
Monastery of Christ in the Desert in Abiquiu and also under special agreement in Moriarty. At both breweries, Abbey Beverage Company directly controls all aspects of the brewing process, including the formulations and brewing process details. The monks, through Abbey Beverage Company, are also directly responsible for sourcing all ingredients and packaging materials at both breweries. The brewing equipment on the grounds of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert is entirely owned by Abbey Beverage Company. At the brewery in Moriarty, some of the major brewing equipment, such as the fermenting vessels, bright tanks and hop storage freezers, are owned by Abbey Beverage Company. Several monks are directly involved in the daily operations of Abbey Beverage Company and other monks are regularly involved in the brewing and packaging processes at both breweries. www.abbeybeveragecompany.
Abbey Beverage Company
Come by the Mimbres Valley Brewing Co. Deming Brewery location to see where craft beer magic happens. All the company’s locally brewed craft
Today, the Abby Beverage Company products are brewed on a small scale at the brewery on the grounds of the
Mimbres Valley Brewing Co.
beers are available to be enjoyed as well as a selection of New Mexico wines and burgers, salads and sandwiches. The beers are all hand-crafted and have a unique personality to them that sets Mimbres Valley apart from other breweries. They use hops from all over the world and take great care in the selection of hops and grain. Mimbres strives to provide the best variety and the best tasting beers you can find.
TMBC is the end result of dreaming, and drinking, on the part of the proprietor, Nico Ortiz. Starting with a student exchange to Germany when he was 16, he has dedicated his life to the pursuit of good beer. This brewpub is the culmination of over two decades of “market research” in hundreds of restaurants, bars, brewpubs, breweries, garages and beer festivals all over the world. The name “Turtle Mountain” comes from the Tewa name for Sandia Peak. Alfonso Ortiz, Nico’s late father, was born and raised at Oke Owingeh, north of Espanola, and one of six Pueblos that speak Tewa. Nico’s father’s Native name was “Oku Pin,” which translates as “Turtle Mountain.” As a tribute to his father, who provided the inspirational and financial means to open the pub, Nico named it Turtle Mountain Brewing Company. The guiding principle of Turtle Mountain Brewing Company is to provide the people of New Mexico with delicious, high-quality foods and beverages at an affordable price in a comfortable, friendly environment. Turtle Mountain has been recognized locally with a 3 1/2 stars review in the Albuquerque Journal, as well as the “Best of: Pizza” category CitySearch.com. They have been featured nationally in All About Beer Magazine and Brewpub Magazine, and just won the 2011 Alibi Readers Poll for Rio Rancho’s best restaurant. www.turtlemountainbrewing.com
October 10, 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • Socorrofest 2012 • 7
Astrophotography contest joins MRO events The High Altitude Astrophotography Contest, sponsored by Magdalena Ridge Observatory (MRO), New Horizons West and Enchanted Skies Star Party (ESSP), will take place on the Magdalena Ridge during three days and two nights on Oct. 10-12. The grand prize winner’s photograph will be featured in the Astronomy Magazine, receive one week of free stay at Rancho Hidalgo for two, $1000 value and a $500 gift certificate to Starizona. Second and third place winners will receive $250 and $100 gift certificates to Starizona, respectively. To enter the contest, the contestant must take the picture from Magdalena Ridge Observatory during the High Altitude Astrophotography Contest event and submit images by noon on Friday, Oct. 12. Digital images are to be submitted online at www.mro.nmt.edu/news/essp2012contest/. Each contestant is allowed one entry. Registration for the event is required. For detailed rules and registration information please visit www.mro.nmt.edu/news/essp 2012contest/. The Magdalena Ridge Observatory is a multi-research and educational observatory built and operated by New Mexico Tech. The Magdalena Ridge Consortium Inc. was formed in 1996 with first design
for the observatory commissioned in 2000. In July 2004 a memorandum of agreement was signed with the Cavendish Laboratory of University of Cambridge, U.K. The observatory consists of two major facilities: an operational 2.4-meter (fast-tracking) Telescope and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer, a 10--element optical/infrared interferometer, currently under construction. Its mission is threefold: conduct astronomical research, provide means for space situational awareness, and educate and reach out to the communities to promote science and astronomical education and interests. Annette Tombaugh-Sitze, along with her husband Bill Sitze will be joining the panel of judges for the High Altitude Astrophotography Contest at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory. TombaughSitze, a notable figure in the Astronomy community, is the daughter of worldfamous astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. Tombaugh discovered the planet Pluto, (recently reclassified as a dwarf-planet). He also discovered over 800 asteroids, the first object that was later identified as the Kuiper Belt, and was avidly interested in researching unidentified flying objects.
Jonathan Spargo/For El Defensor Chieftain
Passing time with a portable 20 inch telescope while waiting for darkness and clear skies.
8 • Socorrofest 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • October 10, 2012
Attendees at Etscorn in 2011 admire a telescope.
Jonathan Spargo/For El Defensor Chieftain
Stargazing under enchanted skies The Enchanted Skies Star Party, held in Socorro, offers a unique Southwestern Astronomy experience with many exciting features. The event takes place from Oct. 10 to 13. There is a decade-long tradition of presenting outstanding lectures by leading professional and amateur astronomers, observing at 10,600 feet, and a gathering Saturday night for an evening of great food, Southwestern entertainment and dark-sky observing. Socorro’s dry, high-desert climate, dark skies and friendly small-town environment provide an excellent dark sky observing experience. Dark sky observing, astronomy workshops, door prizes, lectures and insider tours of the Very Large Array and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory. Nightly observing, lectures and camping will take place at the Etscorn Campus Observatory and at the official “Dark Sky Site,” the Fort Craig National Historic Site, located only about 30 miles South of Socorro. One of the highlights of the Enchanted Skies Star Party is a night of observing atop Socorro County’s South Baldy, part of the Magdalena Ridge and home to the new Magdalena Ridge Observatory. At an elevation of 10,600 feet, it is a prime astrophotography and observing location. There is a mandatory meeting for all those going up, held at Etscorn Campus
Jonathan Spargo/For El Defensor Chieftain
The crescent moon in the night sky.
Observatory. This meeting will discuss important safety concerns for mountain driving, high altitude health and the conditions expected that night. Oxygen is always on hand in case of altitude sickness, and a paramedic should be on hand, too. After the meeting, a convoy will depart from Etscorn Observatory at 5
p.m. for the observing location. There will be a convoy going back down to Socorro which departs at midnight Bathrooms, snacks and hot drinks will be available. The temperatures are sure to be much colder than in Socorro, with wind, appropriate cold weather clothing is recommended. Registered participants also have
access to an insider’s tour of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Very Large Array, located 45 miles West of Socorro. The VLA is currently undergoing a transformation into a new research instrument: the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA). Scheduled to be completed in 2012, the new state-of-theart electronics and software will have completely transformed the VLA into a much more capable research tool with more than 10 times the VLA’s current sensitivity. This transformation will ensure that the VLA/EVLA will remain one of the best radio telescopes in the word. On Saturday, the last day of ESSP, a Southwestern style dinner is prepared and served at the Fort Craig National Historic Site, ESSP’s official “Dark Sky Site.” The cost is $25 and includes a second helping. Guests sit around an open camp fire while listening to some festive music. After dinner, a special Campfire Lecture is given, often about Native American tales of the night sky while the sky fully darkens. Observing at Fort Craig often goes well into the mornings at this very dark site. Dinner will be served around 5 p.m. and the Campfire Lecture begins at 7 p.m. Call or email Judy Stanley for registration information at jstanley@nrao. edu or 835-7243.
October 10, 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • Socorrofest 2012 • 9
Sevilleta celebrates Refuge Week Visiting Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Oct. 13 is a treat in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. Family activities take place on Saturday, Oct. 13. Tours begin at 7:30 a.m.,require reservations and cost $10. Exhibitors will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sevilleta is a proud part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a nationwide network of public lands set aside to protect wildlife. The nation’s 556 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts offer Americans wonderful opportunities to fish, hunt, hike or observe fascinating creatures in the wild. By preserving America’s rich wildlife legacy, refuges provide many benefits. The plants and animals they sustain help clean our air, filter our water, pollinate our crops and remind us that we are part of the natural world. Without refuges, local communities would also lose jobs and businesses that depend on refuge tourism. Visitors to refuges like what they find there, according to a study this year by the U.S. Geological Survey. Nine thousand out of 10,000 respondents reported satisfaction with refuge recreation, information and education, public service and conservation.
“Nowhere else do I feel such a deep sense of connection with the land, the plants and the wildlife,” offered one respondent. “Visiting a refuge is truly a spiritual experience.” Here’s what Sevilleta has planned to help you celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week: • Enjoy a guided hike on our nature trails; • Learn some fascinating facts about the refuge on one of our tours, with reservations required and $10 fee; • Visit our conservation oriented booths from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; • Explore the new displays in the Visitor Center. Americans have a proud tradition of working to protect and preserve the nation’s natural resources. National wildlife refuges across the country will host many public events for National Wildlife Refuge Week. Find an event near you or on your travel route by checking the Refuge System online events calendar: http://go.usa.gov/wR3. More than 45 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 2011. There is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities. For more information about national wildlife refuges, visit: www.fws.gov/refuges.
Registration is not required and there is no charge for: Nighttime is the right time for scorpions. 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Pollinators of New Mexico and Their Conservation 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mexican Gray Wolf 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Little dogs on the prairie 11:30 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tours require registration and cost $10.00 Morning tours San Lorenzo Canyon Exploration 8 a.m. to noon — includes light snack
Geology of Sevilleta’s West side 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.— includes light snack Bird Sevilleta 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. — includes lunch Geology of Sevilleta’s East side 8 a.m. to noon — includes light snack Research Field Trip 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. — includes light snack BernardoWaterfowl Area 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. — includes light snack
Afternoon tours
History and Folklore 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. — includes light snack Geology of Sevilleta’s West Side 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — includes light snack
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In 2011 Sevilleta’s events included exploring the cold blooded creatures of the area.
10 • Socorrofest 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • October 10, 2012
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Past Alamo Indian Days have drawn a large amount of venders to the event.
Alamo Indian Days celebrate community unity Everything has been falling into place for the 32nd annual Alamo Indian Day Celebration according to event chairman Herman “Hank” Ganadonegro. The celebration actually takes place over three days, Oct. 12 to 14. Ganadonegro has a lot of help, he said. The whole community comes together to support and participate in the event. Not only the people at Alamo work to make it happen, but support comes from all around the county. This year’s theme for the event is all about people coming together. “Ni’hodixos bii’ji’ anaahoo’zhiizh aniid oochiligiibaa ahinaa’iideeh” means “a new year into the glittering world of our generation of celebration.” “The theme means for people to come together year after year and people with new faces to all come together,” Ganadonegro said. “Bringing together the whole.” The celebration draws a lot of people, Ganadonegro said. “We get a lot from outside,” he said. “People that people know from all over.
It’s a small world and people come up to see what its like.” The Alamo school got involved, putting the prince and princess competition together and providing water and lights, he said. “They are helping us a lot.” The Socorro County commissioners and manager Delilah Walsh have helped too, he said. “The whole community comes together,” Ganadonegro said. “The senior citizens center is putting their stuff together, our neighbors from magdalena and our council delegates are helping us out with donations.” The parade starts Saturday at the Alamo Campground and trophies will be awarded for several categories, he said. Floats, walking groups and horse back riding categories will be judged. Cars, wagons, motorcycles, trucks with trailers, marching bands, walkers, dance groups and the ROTC are all expected to participate in the parade. n See Alamo, Page 11
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Jackpot roping happens every day, Oct. 12 through 14.
October 10, 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • Socorrofest 2012 • 11
Alamo
from PAGE 10
“Every year we do have a very nice turnout, I hope that there comes to be a very nice turn out this year also.” There will be plenty of food, arts and crafts venders on site all three days. Friday events include the Alamo Indian Day Walk, Miss alamo/Mrs. Elderly presentation, song and dance from 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. and a country and western dance with Steel Reserve until midnight. Saturday contests include a horseshoe tournament, chain saw contest and mud bogging. Food contests cover watermelon, fry bread, chili stew, coffee brewing and pie eating. “I haven’t tried any of them,” he said about the food contests. “But they are all good. To me all fry bread is good.” On Sunday mud bogging continues and the Gospel Singspiration begins at 10 a.m. “We do have the gospel,” Ganadonegro said. “We will have it on Sunday to give everybody a chance to come out and enjoy themselves.” This is Ganadonegro’s first year chairing the event but he is enjoying himself. “It’s hard work and it’s challenging,” he said. “But it’s the people that come to participate that make it easier. It’s not really just the committee, it’s everybody that comes together.”
32nd annual Alamo Indian Day Celebration schedule Friday, Oct. 12
8 a.m. — Food, crafts, games and other vendors open 9 a.m. — Opening at Walters park with MC Marty Monte 9:30 a.m. — Alamo Indian Day Walk 10 a.m. — Jackpot roping entries open 10 a.m. — Miss Alamo/Mrs. Elderly presentation 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Song and dance with Midnight Chanters 11 a.m. — Jackpot roping begins 8 p.m. to midnight — Country and western dance with Steel Reserve
Saturday, Oct. 13
8 a.m. — Food, arts and crafts vendors open 8 a.m. — Parade line-up at Alamo Campground 10 a.m. — Jackpot roping entries open 10 a.m. — Indian Day Parade starts at the Alamo Campground 11 a.m. — Jackpot roping begins 11:30 a.m. — Trophies for the parade will be awarded at Walter’s Park 11:30 a.m. — Song and dance begin Noon — Mud bogging Noon — Horse Shoe Tournament 1 p.m. — Chain saw contest 2 p.m. — Fry bread contest 3 p.m. — Chili stew contest 4 p.m. — Watermelon contest 5 p.m. — Coffee brewing contest 6 p.m. — Pie eating contest 7 p.m. — Crown Dancers
Sunday, Oct. 14
8 a.m. — Food, arts and crafts vendors open 9 a.m. — Jackpot roping entries open 10 a.m. — Gospel Singspiration 10 a.m. — Jackpot roping begins 10 a.m. — Mud Bogging
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There are plenty of activities, including games, for everyone at Alamo for Indian Day celebrations.
12 • Socorrofest 2012 • El Defensor Chieftain • October 10, 2012