3 QUESTIONS

THE CANNABIS DISPENSARY HAPPY H UR

MON-FRI

With Apache Junction star Ricky Lee

CAROL SKIPWITH

If you’re the type of film buff who scours the internet for the latest trailers, you might have seen the recent preview for the upcoming Western Apache Junction starring Stuart Townsend and Thomas Jane. The eagle-eyed among you might have also noticed Kansasborn/now-New Mexican actor Ricky Lee (Cree and Lakota), a veteran film worker both in front of and behind the camera who has appeared in movies like Hell or High Water and The Ridiculous 6. Apache Junction hits theaters and VoD on Sept. 24, but we spoke with Lee ahead of its release to learn more about the movie, his career and his thoughts on the film industry in the state. (Alex De Vore)

Tell us a little about your background. How did you get into acting and directing for film and television?

When I was 16 or 17 and living in Kansas, a movie came through called The Gypsy Moths. It was directed by the famous John Frankenheimer, so I went out and got a job for the summer working for MGM as an extra. It was awesome, and I met Burt Lancaster, Debra Kerr and Gene Hackman—it got me hooked.

I went to college as a theater and art major at Wichita State University, but then I got drafted and went to Vietnam, came back, finished up school, got back into theater and, in the early ’80s, I was with the American Indian Theater Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Almost all the Native actors started out there because, at that time, it was the only Native theater in the country. We worked with George C Scott, David Carradine and a lot of major actors who supported us. Wes Studi was there— I’ve known Wes for years—and Gary Farmer was there and...Graham Greene. Sterlin Harjo, too, who wrote several plays we did.

Years earlier, I had met David Carradine while he was doing Bound for Glory and also working on a passion project in Kansas—he hired me to paint carousel horses. I ended up working with him again in the ’80s and then in New York in the ’90s and again in Los Angeles before he died. But then we worked together [in Tulsa] and he really encouraged me. He was the kind of guy if you were working with, he was always teaching, and those lessons were invaluable.

I’m proud of my theatrical background. A lot of movie actors can be young kids coming up, and they don’t have any theater background, but I think that’s important. I’ve paid my dues. To me, true acting is...you’re on the stage, and if you screw up, you know it.

Can you give up any details about your role in Apache Junction?

So I have a friend who lives here, an actress who lives in town, and she calls me up at 11, 12 o’clock at night, and she says ‘Richard, you have to come to [El Dorado Hotel & Spa]. I’m sitting down with these producers and directors, and they want to see you.’ I said ‘I’m going to bed,’ but she calls me back and says ‘Come. Back. Now.’ So I get dressed, go down there, walk in the door—and they hire me. They said I was perfect for what they want, this small part. The next day, they send me the sides and it’s, like, 30 freaking pages, and I’m thinking, ‘This isn’t just a little in-and-out kind of thing.’ I ended up in a supporting lead role, and I play Stuart Townsend’s roommate and sidekick outlaw.

In the town of Apache Junction, we’re hiding out because we’re retired outlaws. My character’s named Wasco, and I’m kind of his conscience. It’s like the original odd couple—a Native and a cowboy, and there’s a lot of joking around and kidding each other back and forth, because we know each other; we’ve been through hell; we’re good friends and brothers. Long story short, this reporter hears about this lawless town in the West, so she convinces her editor to send her out to do a story. She shows up, gets in trouble, Stuart tries to save her and I jump in and knock out a bunch of bad guys.

It was filmed [in New Mexico], starting in March 2020, but we had to stop. We were the last project to be filming in New Mexico. Who knew about COVID back then at that point? We thought it was going to be a couple weeks, we’d be back. That didn’t happen, and I think in June there was talk about filming in Costa Rica, and we had a plan but found out we could go there, but not come back. We had a plan to go to Spain, that fell through. We had a plan to go to Oklahoma, that fell through. We ended up finishing the film in Joshua Tree out in California.

We’re always hearing New Mexico is a great place for film workers right now. Would you say that’s true?

I think overall that’s true. Right now, I mean, who wouldn’t want to live here? It’s the film capital of the world right now. A lot of my friends in LA and other places want to move here. Early on, one of the first films I did was the CBS miniseries Buffalo Girls. Back then, the industry was so much different. There was a handful of people, and everyone seemed to be far more together as far as backing each other up. The industry has changed a lot, but still, I think it’s changed for the best. It’s a great opportunity if you get to go home at night. I don’t plan on going anywhere.

THE CRADLE WILL ROCK

The Actors Lab 1213 Parkway Drive B (505) 395-6576 Orson Welles and John Houseman are locked out by the WPA administration, but the show must go on. (see SFR picks, page 19) 7:30 pm, $25-$90

A STREETLIGHT NAMED SANTA FE

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2791 Agua Fría St. (505) 303-3808 The Fiesta Melodrama pokes fun at local events, politicians and our general weirdness. Comedy, improvisation. and audience participation (so fair warning). 7 pm, $15-$25

WORKSHOP

IMPROV FUNDAMENTALS

Santa Fe Improv santafeimprov.com 1202 Parkway Drive, Unit A This six week, daytime, beginner’s class is open to all. No experience necessary and no requirements to be funny! Frankly, it might be better not to try at all. 10 am-noon, $150

FRI/3

SO BE IT. SEE TO IT.

Railyard Plaza Market and Alcaldesa Streets axleart.com Tigre (Bailando) MashaalLively creates art inside the Axle Contemporary Mobile Artspace, ranging from mixed-media sculpture, drawing, sound and writing. 5-7 pm, free

9/11: IN REMEMBRANCE

Monroe Gallery of Photography 112 Don Gaspar Ave. (505) 992-0800 Exhibition of photographs commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11, exhibiting the construction, prominence and destruction of the World Trade Center. (see SFR picks, page 19) All day, free

OUR LIVES NOW

El Zaguán 545 Canyon Road (505) 982-0016 Photographer Don Usner ventured around the state, from the Four Corners region and the Navajo Nation to bear witness with his camera to see rural life during the pandemic. Check out what he captured. 5-7 pm, free

BOOKS/LECTURES

THE TRADITION OF ZOZOBRA

Southside Branch Library 6599 Jaguar Dr. (505) 954-5700 Zozobra story and craft session, all outdoors, led by author Andrew Lovato. Free copies of his book Elvis Romero and Fiesta de Santa Fe while supplies last. Masks required. 3 pm, free

DANCE

ENTREFLAMENCO SUMMER SEASON

El Flamenco Cabaret 135 W Palace Ave. (505) 209-1302 Where you can watch dance, and you yourself can jive, and you can maybe even have the time of your life. 6:15 pm, $25-$40

LA EMI SUMMER FLAMENCO SERIES

The Lodge at Santa Fe 750 N St. Francis Drive (505) 992-5800 Ooh, see La Emi, watch La Emi, digging that dancing La Emi. 8 pm, $20-$50

EVENTS

97TH ANNUAL BURNING OF ZOZOBRA

Fort Marcy Park 490 Washington Ave. burnzozobra.com Time to mimic a human sacrifice for the 97th time, which is better than actually, you know, doing it. Proof of vaccination or 72-hour negative COVID-19 test required. Masks for everyone—don't risk Delta for two minutes of a screaming burning paper man. Buy tickets in advance. 4-9:30 pm, $17-$263

IN SEARCH OF DOMÍNGUEZ AND ESCALANTE

New Mexico History Museum 113 Lincoln Ave. (505) 476-5100 In 2003, the late Siegfried Halus and Greg Mac Gregor set out to document contemporary changes to the lands of the American West that Franciscan friars traversed in 1776. This showcase compares historic journal entries contrasted with modern photography. All day, $7-$12

MUSIC

LEAF & BURN

Leaf & Hive 1208 Mercantile Road, Ste. A (505) 699-3055 Alcoholic kombucha. DJ’s include Spoolius, Ana M, Chiddy, DJ Sapo and Ulione. Come post-burning or in lieu of burning. 8 pm-late, $10

WASHED OUT

Meow Wolf 1352 Rufina Circle (505) 395-6369 After Zozobra becomes a smoldering pile of desolated dreams, scoot on down for Washed Out’s DJ set. Let go of the gloom and embrace the dance. Best of all, the exhibit will be open during the event. 21+ folks only. 9 pm-1 am, $24

THEATER

THE CRADLE WILL ROCK

The Actors Lab 1213 Parkway Drive B (505) 395-6576 It’s like being on Broadway, except you’re not, but maybe just as fun (see SFR picks, page 19). 7:30 pm, $25-$90

A STREETLIGHT NAMED SANTA FE

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2791 Agua Fría St. (505) 303-3808 Second chance to see a Santa Fe Tradition since 1919, the Fiesta Melodrama is written to poke fun at local events and politicians. This show will involve broad comedy, improvisation and audience participation. 4 pm, $15-$25

THE GATHERING OF THE CREATIVES

Eldorado Hotel & Spa 309 W San Francisco St. bit.ly/3mGbFG3 Unleash your inner ar-teest! Here, creativity, art and personal transformation meet. Led by Julia Cameron, best-selling author of The Artist’s Way. All day, $997-$1197

SAT/4

ART

LA EMI SUMMER FLAMENCO SERIES

The Lodge at Santa Fe 750 N St. Francis Drive (505) 992-5800 You won’t change your mind, so you should be the first in line. You’re still free. Take a chance on La Emi. 8 pm, $20-$50

HOOP DANCING

Santa Fe Plaza 100 Old Santa Fe Trail Indigenous hoop dancing from the Lightning Boy Foundation. Big talent on display. 3:30-5 pm, free

EVENTS

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CHACO

Eye on the Mountain Art Gallery 614 Agua Fría St. (928) 308-0319 A show designed to honor the ancient cultures of New Mexico through depictions of the art, architecture and sacred landscapes of Chaco Canyon. 5-9 pm, free

FIRST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE

Couse-Sharp Historic Site 146 Kit Carson Road, Taos SFP21 - POSTER - FIESTA MELODRAMA - 12 X 18 - .25in Bleed/.5in Slug (575) 751-0369 Tour the studios of E. I. Couse and J. H. Sharp, two of the founders of the Taos Society of Artists and enjoy a stroll SFP21 - POSTER - FIESTA MELODRAMA - 12 X 18 - .25in Bleed/.5in Slugthrough Virginia Couse's historic garden. Artist demonstrations included. 2-5 pm, free

I HEART JEMEZ ARTS

Jemez Plaza 80 Jemez Springs Plaza seesandoval.org Artist demonstrations, handson workshops, live music, and art sales by Jemez Valley artists with special events and a kids’ area in the Jemez Plaza. Drop ‘em off and and drop in the springs. 10 am-6 pm, free DANCE

ENTREFLAMENCO SUMMER SEASON

El Flamenco Cabaret 135 W Palace Ave. (505) 209-1302 Mamma mia, here we go again! My my, flamenco, how can we resist you?! 6:15 pm, $25-$40

SANTA FE ARTISTS MARKET

The West Casitas 1612 Alcaldesa St. (505) 310-8766 Pottery, jewelry, paintings, photographs, even full on furniture. North of the water tower. 8 am-2 pm, free

SEE THE STARS

Fort Union National Monument 3115 NM-161, Watrous (505) 425-8025 Telescopes? Free. Reservations? Nope. Seeing the stars in a super dark sky at a National Monument? Oh yes. Gates open at 7:30 pm if you want that prime spot. (see SFR picks, page 19) 9-11 pm, free

FIESTA FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET

Santa Fe Plaza 100 Old Santa Fe Trail Booths will line the Plaza and offer all sorts of unique hand fashioned jewelry, pottery, chic clothing, photography, etc. All day, free

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: BENEFIT FOR THE DIXON ANIMAL PROECTION SOCIETY

Vivac Winery 2075 NM-68, Dixon (505) 579-4441 dapsnm.org Event to raise money for the above mentioned society (DAPS)—featuring musical acts like Jenne McIntosh and Small Birds of Sound. Food by Southwest by Southwest. Donate to the above link as a ticket for entry. 4 pm, entry by donation FOOD

COOKING CLASS: RED CHILE WORKSHOP

Santa Fe School of Cooking 125 N Guadalupe St. (505) 983-4511 We love it. It's not even a question. Perhaps, to some, it is the superior chile, but we won’t wade into that. Learn to make corn tortillas, roasted tomato and chipotle sauce and red chile sauce. Oh yeah, they got the spice. 2-4 pm, $84

SANTA FE FARMERS MARKET

Farmers Market Pavilion 1607 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 983-7726 Tomatoes, craft-soap, honey, leafy greens, smoked meats, some really cool performers under the water tower. 7 am-1 pm, free MUSIC

BOB MAUS

Upper Crust Pizza (Eldorado) 5 Colina Drive (505) 471-1111 Pizza plus Irish music. 5:30-8:30 pm, free

MARIACHI EXTRAVAGANZA DE SANTA FE

Santa Fe Opera 301 Opera Drive (505) 986-5900 Swirling dresses, stamping feet and ringing trumpets. Awardwinning artists and rising stars in the genre of mariachi. 7:30 pm, $18-$58

SFP21 - POSTER - FIESTA MELODRAMA - 12 X 18 - .25in Bleed/.5in Slug CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PERFORMANCES AT SANTA FE PLAYHOUSE AUG. 26TH – AUG. 9th SEPT. 9TH – SEPT. 12th SEPT. 16TH – SEPT. 19th Thursday - Saturday @ 7pm Sunday @ 2pm PERFORMANCES AT TUMBLEROOT SEPT. 2ND @ 7pm SEPT. 3RD @ 4pm (Day of the Burn) SEPT. 4TH @ 7pm SEPT. 5TH @ 4pm

PERFORMANCES AT SANTA FE PLAYHOUSE AUG. 26TH – AUG. 9th SEPT. 9TH – SEPT. 12th SEPT. 16TH – SEPT. 19th Thursday - Saturday @ 7pm 142 E. De Vargas Street | 505-988-4262 | Sunday @ 2pm Tickets @ www.santafeplayhouse.org

PERFORMANCES AT SANTA FE PLAYHOUSE AUG. 26TH – AUG. 9th SEPT. 9TH – SEPT. 12th SEPT. 16TH – SEPT. 19th Thursday - Saturday @ 7pm Sunday @ 2pm PERFORMANCES AT TUMBLEROOT SEPT. 2ND @ 7pm 142 E. De Vargas Street | 505-988-4262 | Tickets @ www.santafeplayhouse.orgSEPT. 3RD @ 4pm (Day of the Burn) SEPT. 4TH @ 7pm SEPT. 5TH @ 4pm

DJ EARWAY

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2791 Agua Fría St. (505) 303-3808 Bred and spread in New Mexico, DJ Earway serves up vinyl sets that are lusciously influenced by post punk, dark wave and sexy funk. Some classics thrown in too. 6-10 pm, free (no cover)

DJ JUSTIN MARTIN

Meow Wolf 1352 Rufina Circle (505) 395-6369 Wow. An event that goes until 2 am in Santa Fe? And it's DJ Justin Martin, who knows how to help you dance for hours on end. Exhibit is open all show if you want to mix your music and your explorative spirit. 9 pm-2 am, $20

STRINGS IN THE WOODS

Santa Fe Canyon Preserve 1670 Upper Canyon Road bit.ly/2Y9XX4i Begins with a guided nature and fiddle walk, meditation included. Intimate concert in the woods, from guitarist Libby Kirkpatrick and fiddler Will Taylor. 6:30 pm, $30

THEATER

THE CRADLE WILL ROCK

The Actors Lab 1213 Parkway Drive B (505) 395-6576 Another chance to check out this show—and remember it starts in the parking lot. (see SFR picks, page 19) 7:30 pm, $25-$90

A STREETLIGHT NAMED SANTA FE

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2791 Agua Fría St. (505) 303-3808 Come for the laughs. Heck, come twice. With improv elements it’s a little different every time. Actually, why don’t you just go again and again and again and— 6:30 pm, $30

WORKSHOP

THE GATHERING OF THE CREATIVES

Eldorado Hotel & Spa 309 W San Francisco St. bit.ly/3mGbFG3 More unleashing and more discovery of the inner creative spirit. Lectures, books, networking and on and on. Julia Cameron, best-selling author of The Artist’s Way, leads the gathering. All day, $997-$1197

SUN/5

BOOKS/LECTURES

I HEART JEMEZ ARTS

Jemez Plaza 80 Jemez Springs Plaza seesandoval.org Second day of the festival. Expect music, arts, hot springs and workshops. Tons of activities for the kiddos, too. 10 am-6 pm, free

LET'S TALK: A READING AND A DISCUSSION

Teatro Paraguas 3205 Calle Marie (505) 424-1601 Santa Fe’s new Poet Laureate, Darryl Lorenzo Wellington, presents a reading and discussion entitled Let’s Talk. Wellington’s essays on poverty, economic justice, race relations, African American history and civil rights history have appeared in The Nation, The Guardian, The Progressive, Christian Science Monitor, The Atlantic, Dissent, Crisis (NAACP’s magazine) and, of course, SFR. 5 pm, free

DANCE

ENTREFLAMENCO SUMMER SEASON

El Flamenco Cabaret 135 W Palace Ave. (505) 209-1302 There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Flamencoooooo. 6:15 pm, $25-$40

HOOP DANCING

Santa Fe Plaza 100 Old Santa Fe Trail Traditional Indigenous hoop dance every Saturday and Sunday on the Plaza. 3:30-5 pm, free

EVENTS

YOGA IN THE PARK

Bicentennial Park 1121 Alto St. All levels vinyasa flow class. Bring your own mat and get ready to pop those joints and feel the streeeeeetch. 10 am, $10

FIESTA FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET

Santa Fe Plaza 100 Old Santa Fe Trail Need more fiesta doses even though we’re just getting started? Come check out some paintings, wood workings, crafted glassworks. Music entertainment throughout. All day, free

ROWLEY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Rowley Farmhouse Ales 1405 Maclovia St. (505) 428-0719 Join Rowley for food, music, and community as we celebrate Rowley Farmhouse Ale’s fifth anniversary. 3 pm, free

MUSIC

GARY CLARK JR.

The Bridge @ SF Brewing Co. 37 Fire Place (505) 557-6182 Grammy award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Gary Clark Jr., takes Taos. Bring your cute little selves—no outside food/ drink or pets! Just cute dancing bodies (see SFR picks, page 19). 7:00 pm, $54-$69

LUCY BARNA

The Hollar 2849 Hwy 14, Madrid (505) 471-2841 Original Americana-folk music singer-songwriter Lucy Barna plays Madrid's Hollar. Expect deep country jams. 11:30 am-2:30 pm, free

THE SENATORS

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2791 Agua Fría St. (505) 303-3808 Live and free folk music from two hipster dudes from Phoenix (not that we're anti-hipster here). 6 pm, free

BO JENNINGS

El Rey Court 1862 Cerrillos Road (505) 982-1931 Breezy and indie acoustic. 7 pm, free (but bring money to tip the musicians)

THEATER

THE CRADLE WILL ROCK

The Actors Lab 1213 Parkway Drive B (505) 395-6576 Orson Welles and John Houseman find themselves locked out by the WPA administration. Instead of giving up, they find a vacant theater in which the show must go on. The Santa Fe audience needs to know the show begins with a 15-minute prologue in the parking lot. 2 pm, $25-$90

A STREETLIGHT NAMED SANTA FE

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2791 Agua Fría St. (505) 303-3808 A Santa Fe Tradition since 1919, the Fiesta Melodrama is written to poke fun at local events and politicians. This show will involve broad comedy, improvisation and audience participation. 4 pm, $15-$25

WORKSHOP

THE GATHERING OF THE CREATIVES

Eldorado Hotel & Spa 309 W San Francisco St. bit.ly/3mGbFG3 Let the inner-creative be unleash in the third and final day of this massive conference, where you can finally get those creative juices flowing. Hopefully without tears. All day, $997-$1197

MON/6

DANCE

SANTA FE SWING

Odd Fellows Hall 1125 Cerrillos Road Lindy hop, shag and more. Classes start at 7 pm, open dance at 8 pm. Masks and proof of vax required. 7 pm, $3-$8

COURTESY VIVO CONTEMPORARY

“Waiting” by Ann Laser at ViVO Contemporary, part of the show Giving Voice to Image.

EVENTS

FIESTA FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET

Santa Fe Plaza 100 Old Santa Fe Trail Fiesta shop until you give out in a melodramatic fashion. All kinds of artists and goods for sale, from traditional paintings to modern artististic novelties—come to shop or just to browse. All day, free

TUE/7

ART OPENINGS

SHOELUCCINATIONS: THE SECRET LIFE OF SHOES

Wild Hearts Gallery 221 B Highway 165, Placitas (505) 867-2450 Shoes, glorious shoes! Barbara Burzillo, faced with a closet full of shoes which no longer reflected her lifestyle, transformed them into whimsical sculptures. Promised to be anything but traditional and even occasionally pun-based. All day, free EVENTS

YOGA IN THE PARK

Bicentennial Park 1121 Alto St. Community yoga class for all levels. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the outdoors while certified yoga instructor Kristyn Arnold leads an energizing Vinyasa Flow class. Bring your own mat or embrace the earth. Noon, $10

FOOD

COOKING CLASS: SPANISH FOOD

Santa Fe School of Cooking 125 N Guadalupe St. (505) 983-4511 In this class, learn about historical food changes within New Mexico. Learn to make Melon gazpacho, cucumber salad, traditional paella and crema catalana. 10 am, $95

SANTA FE FARMERS MARKET

Farmers Market Pavilion 1607 Paseo de Peralta (505) 983-7726 Such Tuesday, much arugula. 7 am-1 pm, free

SANTA FE FARMERS MARKET DEL SUR

Presbyterian Health Park 4801 Beckner Road (505) 983-7726 Did you know New Mexico grows a lot of onions? Like, a huge amount? Maybe try some of this home-grown magic. 3-6 pm, free

MUSIC

NOSOTROS

Reunity Resources 1829 San Ysidro Crossing Nosotros is one of the most recognizable Latin bands in the Southwes. Featured on NPR's Alt Latino, and with 13 New Mexico Music Awards, Nosotros shares the stage with some of the biggest names in music—and now with Reunity Resources. Wicked cool. 6:30-8:30 pm, $10

We’d love to hear from you. Send notices via email to calendar@sfreporter.com.