Live music for grown-ups (in a setting welcoming to families). Join us on the 3rd Friday of the month* for live music! Bring the kids and bop till you drop!
Admission: $8 for adults; kids get in free!

Samurai.Machine.Gun.
Friday May 18th, 2012
6 pm

The Samurai.Machine.Gun is what happens when Performance writing crosses with Live music. This Albuquerque band puts together a fierce composition of Hip-Hop/Jazz/Funk/& Rock & Roll music. Stretching past their own aspirations, the band flirts with the lines separating poetry from music.

Composed of three well-versed emcee’s/spoken-word poets and backed by four multi-talented musicians, “Samurai.Machine.Gun.” provides a sound you can’t help but groove with.  Oz Patisserie and The Zingaro food trucks will be here for your dining pleasure!

Burque Bop is a music series that features some of Albuquerque’s favorite local bands. Created by Mike Sullivan, Burque Bop offers a kid-friendly environment for parents looking to revive their night lives without sacrificing family time. Come to Burque Bop on the third Friday of every month*, listen to local music, enjoy a stroll through The Harwood Art Center galleries, have dinner at local food trucks parked outside.  Make Burque Bop your family night on the town! 

For more information goto http://harwoodartcenter.org/ss/burque-bop/

Advance tickets are $10 plus service fees, and are available at www.launchpadrocks.com.

A product of their sub-tropical home in Orlando, FL, the Supervillains blend their love for reggae music with those sweet vocals harmonies indicative of their southern roots. Their ground-shaking basslines and furious solos are complimented by pleasant keyboard melodies and unique arrangements drawn from the Supervillains’ wide range of influences. Their women-and-partying lyrical focus is held afloat by a specific brand of up-tempo ska, roots reggae, rock’n'roll hooks, and shout-along choruses that make their live show an energetic and unforgettable experience. That formula, combined with constant touring, playing 200+ shows per year since their first release, is indicative of why the band continues to gain national attention. The band is touring on their fifth full-length and latest album, 2011’s Postcards from Paradise and brand new EP, out just last week, titled Robots.

For Postcards from Paradise, The Supervillains released the album on their own imprint, Rah Rah Rah Records. Producer Brett Hestla helped them hone their sound to make a straight-to-the-point effort, highlighting their growth as musicians and relatable songs. Upon release, Postcards from Paradise hit #1 on Billboard’s reggae charts, #1 on Amazon’s reggae charts, and #3 on iTunes’ reggae charts. The band teamed up with Hestla again to record their new Robots EP, a concept record intended to give their fans something to chew on while they work up a new full-length, and a project they say is ten years in the making. The Supervillains are Dominic Maresco (drums), Scott “Skart” Suldo (guitar), Daniel Grundorf (bass), and Tom “T-Rex” Moulton (keyboard).

For interviews with The Supervillains, please contact:
Scott Suldo at supervillainspress@yahoo.com

For further information on this performance, please contact:
Katy Hardy at katy@launchpadrocks.com

Centennial Film Series Selection Features Scenes Shot in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, NM- Next up in the KiMo Theatre’s Centennial Film series on Wednesday, April 18th at 7 p.m. is the classic “The Grapes of Wrath,” that won a Best Director Oscar® for John Ford, a Best Supporting Actress statue for Jane Darwell as Ma Joad, and a Best Actor nomination for lead Henry Fonda, who played Tom Joad.

Based on a story by John Steinbeck, the powerful filmtells the story of the Joads, an Oklahoma family, who, after losing their farm during the Great Depression in the 1930s, end up in California as migrant workers. The motion picture details their arduous journey across the United States as they search for work and opportunities for the family members.

After encountering violence and tragedy in the overcrowded migrant camps, Tom Joad, in trying to save the life of itinerant preacher Jim Casy (John Carradine) who accompanies the family to California, accidentally kills a camp guard and must be secreted out of the area.

Tom is moved to work for change by what he has witnessed in the various camps. He tells his family that he plans to carry on Casy’s mission in the world by fighting for social reform. He leaves to seek a new world and to join the movement committed to social justice.

In his parting words to the family, Tom Joad says: “I’ll be all around in the dark. I’ll be everywhere. Wherever you can look, wherever there’s a fight, so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever there’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad. I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry and they know supper’s ready, and when the people are eatin’ the stuff they raise and livin’ in the houses they build, I’ll be there, too.”

This iconic film has won numerous honors, including being listed at #21 among the AFI’s 100 Years-100 Movies. Portions of the movie were filmed on Laguna Pueblo and near Gallup.

General admission for all screenings in the Centennial Film Series is free of charge. Concessions will be available on a cash-only basis both before and after the screening.

The KiMo Theatre is operated by the Cultural Services Department, City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor. The Theatre is centrally located at 423 Central Avenue NW (corner of 5^th and Central) and there is a large parking facility right behind the Theatre at 5^th and Copper. Visit www.KimoAbq.org or call 311 for up-to-date information on the wide variety of entertainment options offered at this unique venue. TTY Users call 711.

 The Downtown Action Team (DAT) and the Downtown Growers’ Market (DGM) are accepting applications for a part-time Market Manager position for the 2012 Downtown Growers’ Market summer season.  Applicants with experience in Event Planning & Management, Permitting, Vendor Management, Fundraising, Budgeting, Marketing, Public Relations, Volunteerism and Community Engagement are invited to apply between April 6th and April 20^th.  See instructions at the bottom of this document.

 In addition to the Job Description outlined below, we are looking for a qualified applicant who possesses the following skill sets:

• Excellent people skills — friendly, outgoing, tactful;
• Project management and oversight; highly organized;
• Understands the diverse challenges confronting small farmers;
• Resident of greater Albuquerque/Bernalillo (preferred);
• Farming and gardening experience (a plus);
• YOU MAY APPLY IF YOU ARE A VENDOR AT THE MARKET!

Program Information:

 The Downtown Growers’ Market is Albuquerque’s largest outdoor summer growers’ market located in Robinson Park at 8th & Central Ave.   The 16th annual market season will kickoff on May 19th and run through November 3rd on Saturdays from 7AM to 11AM, for a total of 25 weeks.  The market is host to 100 vendors each week, comprised of 60 fresh produce farm vendors, 20 prepared food vendors and a total of 40 craft vendors that share 20 booth spaces on alternating weekends. 

 The goal of the Downtown Growers’ Market is to provide a highly unique and valuable experience for all participants and continue to be a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists. We serve the public as an economic and community development program of DAT focused on promoting and sustaining local agriculture and area farmers. 

Market Manager Job Description:

 The primary duty of the Market Manager will be to ensure the operational success and sustainability of the Downtown Growers’ Market.  This includes any pre-season duties as listed below, a commitment to punctual arrival at 6:00am every Saturday to set up the market, and the fulfillment of all post-market activities.

 The selected applicant must commit to organizing and attending all 25 market days and personally be present at all times to ensure the highest quality experience for both the customers and the vendors.  Additionally, the new manager will be required to organize and attend a minimum of 4 vendor meetings, 3 to 5 on site special events and 3 to 5 off-site fundraising events.  Weekly reporting of all market activities, merchandise sales, customer and vendor input and issues will take place on the Monday or Tuesday after the market with DAT staff.  The Market Manager will work closely with DAT Deputy Director to finalize the schedule of all meetings and events prior to season kickoff.

 A key priority for the network of citywide Albuquerque markets and our individual farm vendors will be the timely processing of SNAP EBT transactions and reimbursements. SNAP EBT is the federal food assistance program that provides low income families with access to fresh produce.  Each week, market vendors collect EBT wooden tokens and redeem them at the end of the market day.  Attentive accounting for all tokens must take place at the close of market and a report of all EBT transactions will be sent to the program accountant every Monday for immediate reconciliation.

 The Market Manager will be contracted by, and report to, the DAT staff and when necessary, the DAT Board of Directors.  The Market Manager is the primary conduit of information between the vendors and DAT and should be readily available to receive and deliver key information between both parties.

 It cannot be stressed enough that the DGM prides itself in creating a unique “neighborhood” environment and experience for both patrons and vendors.  The perfect applicant will embody the friendly, family atmosphere found at the market, and the necessary organizational and interpersonal skills to interact with both customers and vendors in a courteous, patient manner.  A positive outlook and attitude are essential.

Essential Pre-Season Event Organization:

 The Downtown Growers’ Market often requires two months of preliminary organization and planning to ensure all essential approvals, permits and infrastructure is in place prior to the season opening.  In 2012, however, much of this work will already be completed by DAT staff in advance of the hiring of the Market Manager.  These duties include the following:

 - Attend the annual New Mexico Farmers Marketing Meeting in Santa Fe;

- Contact all necessary City of Albuquerque divisions and obtain the necessary permits to conduct the event in a public space;

- Work with DAT staff and DGM vendor advisory committee to determine an annual budget for the upcoming season;

- Contact all previous year vendors and notify them of key dates, paperwork requirements and process registration/applications for the upcoming season;

- Contact adjacent neighborhood associations to let them know the dates of the market;

- Process all produce and prepared food vendors with the Environmental Health Dept;

- Order any essential infrastructure items, such as barricades, portable toilets, fire extinguishers and other necessary items;

- Contact the State EBT office to ensure we have all the latest information, equipment and processed all vendor information for those who sell qualifying products;

- Meet with each vendor category (Produce, Prepared Foods, Arts/Crafts) to review rules/regulations, booth location, budgets, fees, etc…

- Meet with city Parks & Recreation department at Robinson Park to determine the condition of the park and a plan for ongoing maintenance;

- Assist with early season fundraising, marketing, event planning, outreach and other preliminary planning activities;

Primary Day-Of Market Event Functions:

Operations Management – Assist DAT Ambassadors, volunteer and farmers in preparing the site on market days; facilitate vendor arrival and setup; handle vendor and shopper comments/feedback/complaints; ensure site cleanliness and safety are maintained; enlist assistance from DAT Ambassadors and volunteers for administrative assistance as needed; evaluate new programming and promotional opportunities; ensure site is cleaned after closing and make note of any park or event issues.

Vendor Management – Arrive at 5:45/6:00am to welcome and greet vendors; assist when possible with vendor unloading and setup; keep records of number of vendors days and ensure vendors have their proper permits and have paid vendor fees; make sure all vendors are set up for sales by 7:00am; enforce DGM Vendors Rules & Regulations and bring known issues to the attention of DAT and advisory committee.

Financial Management – Work with Sam Lopez and volunteers in the operation of Debit/EBT transactions and WIC check processing; after the market, prepare the accounting worksheet for Monday reconciliation; distribute payments to Sam and token donations to weekly volunteers; work with Albuquerque Growers Market Alliance and the Alliance book keeper to ensure a quality EBT program.

Special Events – Working with DAT staff and ambassadors, assist in the facilitation of exceptional food related promotions that take place at the Market.

Community & Public Relations – Function as a spokesperson for the Market and liaison for DAT; assures the Market and its mission, programs and services are consistently presented in a professional and positive manner; identifies, encourages and maintains stakeholder relationships; keep in contact with local media outlets and provide regular updates; update Facebook, twitter and other appropriate social media; work with DAT staff on a creating a comprehensive marketing campaign (DAT staff will implement any media buys, design, printing and distribution)

Other - Facilitate and handle any other needs relating to the Growers’ Market that may arise on a time to time basis; work with DAT staff to address new issues and streamline market administration whenever possible; work with vendor advisory committee on new developments and longer term strategies.

 Salary & Incentives

 Base Salary Range: $14,000 to $17,500

Salary will be based upon experience and scope of additional skill sets:

 Additional skill sets include:

• Proficiency in a variety of software including word, excel, publisher, constant contact or similar email programs and website management;
• Graphic Design skills and software including Adobe Photoshop, In-Design & Illustrator;
• Experience in writing and procuring grants;

Interested applicants are required to follow these steps:

Mail, email or hand-deliver to DAT a document which includes:

• Your name, street address, email address and phone number;
• Letter of introduction and a current resume;
• Your response to the following questions:

Q) What knowledge or experience do you have with the Downtown Growers’ Market?

 Q) As Market Manager, what will you do operationally, and as the “face” of the Market, to bring our mission statement to life and to make our mission real?

 Q) What about your background and experiences will enable you to do this?

 Please submit all documents or questions to:

Christopher Goblet                                               
Downtown Action Team
100 Gold Ave. SW #204
(505) 243-2230 x 107 
Albuquerque, NM 87102                                            

cgoblet@DowntownABQ.com                          

In addition, we are excited to see a slew of new prepared food vendors applying to join us with a variety of new items.  Bakers, canned goods, fruit jams & jellies, paella, savory pies, granola and so much more.  DAT will be announcing prepared food vendors in April.  To get the latest news on the Growers’ Market “like” us on Facebook!

For more details on the summer Growers’ Market season, please email us at growersmarket@downtownabq.com or call (505) 243-2230 x 107.

Speaker series kicks off Arts & Cultural Planning 
Downtown Growers’ Market begins registration
InsideOut Recycling begins downtown collection service
NEA’s Killoren speaks on “Creative Placemaking”

Speaker series kicks off Arts & Cultural Planning

The Downtown Arts & Cultural District Steering Committee is pleased to announce a national speaker series to assist in stimulating the development of vibrant district and a strategic cultural plan. The speaker series begins with esteemed guest Brian Newman, who will lead an exploration of our community’s film and digital media assets. Brian Newman is the founder of Sub-Genre Media, a company focusing on business development projects in entertainment and cultural industries. Brian’s expertise will be shared with the public on March 14th.

focus group for Film & Digital Media Stakeholders
A facilitated discussion on the future of film & digital media in ABQ
9:00-11:30am at Creative Albuquerque located at 115 4th Street NW.

public talk: “Creating A Vibrant Media Arts Environment”
4:30-5:30 at the Cell Theatre, located at 700 1st Street NW.

The speakers series and data gathering will continue over eight weeks with specialists in film and digital media, visual arts, music and performing arts, literary arts, culinary arts and marketing/branding. In addition to making public presentations, guest speakers will provide recommendations and assist in the development of strategies to spur vitality in the downtown district. These insights will be integrated into the district’s cultural plan, which aims to increase local and visitor engagement, foster economic growth for downtown businesses and ensure eventual recognition as a top cultural district in the nation.

To RSVP to events or for more information, email info@creativeabq.org or call (505) 268-1920. 

Downtown Growers’ Market begins registration

With the onset of warmer weather, a change in the clock and the winter veggie crop on the farm filling out, our thoughts begin to drift to the Growers’ Market season that awaits this summer.  Over 50 local farmers and produce vendors have already registered for this season, offering out customers the freshest and finest produce in greater Albuquerque. 

In addition, we are excited to see a slew of new prepared food vendors applying to join us with a variety of new items.  Bakers, canned goods, fruit jams & jellies, paella, savory pies, granola and so much more.  DAT will be announcing prepared food vendors in April.  To get the latest news on the Growers’ Market “like” us on Facebook!

For more details on the summer Growers’ Market season, please email us at growersmarket@downtownabq.com or call (505) 243-2230 x 107.

InsideOut Recycling begins downtown collection

Gordon Bernell Charter School in Downtown Albuquerque continues to provide innovative scholastic opportunities as well as exceptional community outreach programs that benefit both students and the community. The 2009 installation of Francis Tinnin Park at 2nd & Gold, which will be getting a new solar power system, lights and a makeover this spring, continues to make a great impact on the aesthetics of downtown.  Their new sustainable venture directed at helping Downtown businesses with their recycling initiatives.

InsideOut Recycling is a new business aimed at the collection of cardboard and aluminum and provides jobs for individuals enrolled at the school.  These students are working part time and studying to complete their High School degrees.  The new program provides dedicated students an income stream that allows them to maintain their enrollment and awards their determination. 

If you or your company are looking for a recycling solution for your office, and are interested in being a part of the GBCS community transformation, please contact Cindy Redman with an email or visit them online.

 NEA’s Killoren speaks on “Creative Placemaking”

DAT and Creative Albuquerque are pleased to welcome Michael Killoren of the National Endowment for the Arts for a public presentation on “Creative Placemaking”, the second in a series of five as part of the development of a Cultural Plan for Downtown Albuquerque.

Michael Killoren serves as the Director for Local Arts Agencies at the National Endowment for the Arts. He formerly was director of Cultural Tourism for the Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau and later director of Seattle’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.

public presentation: “creative placemaking”
His free talk will cover a variety of placemaking topics; national trends, local observations and innovative ways to promote our visual arts assets. The public presentation takes place on March 20th at 4:30 PM at 112 Gold Avenue next to the Box Theatre.

focus group for visual arts stakeholders
Those of you working in visual arts who would enjoy more time with Mr. Killoren and would like to participate in a focused discussion on placemaking in downtown Albuquerque are invited to Creative Albuquerque, Tuesday, March 20 from 9:00 – 11:30am 115 4th St.

To RSVP to events or for more information, email info@creativeabq.org or call (505) 268-1920. 

If you see something interesting in Downtown and want DAT to know about it, send submission to cgoblet@DowntownABQ.com

This month, March 16 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm our family-friendly live music series presents Darin Goldston. Lead guitarist of the Memphis P. Tails, Darin will be doing a solo show with his own style of in-your-face Texas blues.

If you’re a parent looking for a way to scratch that live music itch without blowing all your cash on a babysitter, this is your jam. Kids are always FREE. Adults are $8. Firenze Mobile Pizza and Oz Patisserie Food Truck will be here to serve up the grub!

Here’s a link to Burque Bop on our website! http://harwoodartcenter.org/ss/burque-bop/

Downtown Action Team bids farewell to Brian Morris
Council Re-District Dilutes Downtown Impact
Homelessness outreach meeting for business owners
Creative Bravos Awards Dinner – tickets on sale
Call for Artists – 100 for 100 Centennial Art Show

Downtown Action Team bids farewell to Brian Morris

At a recent Downtown Action Team Board meeting, Executive Director, Brian Morris presented his resignation and plans for a new career. After 10 years of dedicated service to the community at DAT, Mr. Morris is moving forward to pursue a career in consulting, political campaign management, fundraising and government relations at his own company, Morris Strategies For New Mexico. Brian’s last day with DAT will be March 9.

DAT would like to acknowledge Brian’s exceptional track record as the Image Enhancement Director, Deputy Director and Executive Director while at DAT. Brian began with the Downtown Action Team in 2001 and has served the last five years as Executive Director. He is widely respected for his leadership, integrity, vision and passion for Downtown Albuquerque.

“I have absolutely loved my career at Downtown Action Team,” said Brian Morris. “I’ve seen so many changes, developments and over $500 million in investment over the past 10 years. While it’s hard to leave this exciting and dynamic organization, I’m looking forward to working daily on my passion of politics and government relations.”

The Board has formed a Search Committee to hire a new Executive Director/CEO for DAT and has appointed DAT Board Chairman, Rick Rennie, as volunteer Interim Director during the search process. In the coming weeks, a posting for the position of Executive Director/CEO will be issued, both locally and nationally. 

For information regarding the new Executive Director position, please email EDSearchCommittee@DowntownABQ.com.

We as a staff, board and friends extend our deepest gratitude to Brian and wish him ongoing success in this new endeavour.

Council Re-District Dilutes Downtown Impact

The DAT Board has been actively engaged in the City Council re-districting process this year and voted to endorse Plan V or a similar plan, which keeps the Downtown District in tact. As you are probably aware, the Council passed Plan L instead this past week, which moves District 3 to the Westside and engulfs Downtown into District 2 (the North Valley).

It is feared this new re-districting will make it even harder to move key initiatives forward which are essential to redevelopment in Downtown.

The new District 2 has a population deviation of over 4%. In addition, it puts most of the cities’ MRA areas all into one district. And, the new plan puts some of the most rural areas in with some of the most urban areas.

We encourage you to call the Mayor at (505) 768-3000 or email Mayor Berry at mayorberry@cabq.gov and ask him to VETO the Re-District plan and ask the Council to support Plan V-1 or a similar plan. 

Homelessness outreach meeting for business owners

Albuquerque Heading Home, a collaborative initiative to combat cronic homelessness, has been very effective and innovative in addressing city-wide problems.  While there have been many significant accomplishments, the program continues to need the assistance and support of local business owners.  The ABQ Heading Home team has put together a meeting to inform the Business Community of “what’s happening and how it impacts your business”

Issues of homelessness affect everyone. They impact housing, businesses and our shared community pride. Representatives of Albuquerque Heading Home will meet with area business owners to share information about this exciting community initiative, lead discussion about challenges and progress, and gather your input for potential ways to move forward together.  There will be two meetings held at the Convention Center on March 14th. The AM session 7:30-9AM and the PM session 2:00-2:30PM.

The 2012 Creative Bravos Award Recipients are:

• Media Arts Collaborative Charter School
• Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque
• Matthew Greer – Quintessences Artistic Director
• Dr. Shelle VanEttten de Sanchez – NHCC
• Emerging Creatives: Tim Nisly & Carlos Contreras
• Young Creatives: Sofia Resnik & Mikala Aragon-Sterling
• People Choice Award: Albuquerque Theatre Guild
• President’s Award: Dale Dekker & Dekker/Perich/Sabatini

Advance reservations are required. Tickets to the event are $75 for Creative Albuquerque members, $125 for two member tickets purchased at the same time. The non-member rate is $95 per ticket.

Call for Artists – 100 for 100 Centennial Arts Show

The City of Albuquerque and the Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District invite artists and craftspeople from the Greater Albuquerque area to participate in the upcoming Centennial Summerfest 100 for 100: A Statewide Juried Arts & Crafts Market.  

will showcase 100 artists from the statewide network of Arts & Cultural Districts; 50 of those artists will be from Albuquerque. A panel of judges from around the state will award prizes for presentation and content, including Best in Show. The market will take place in Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12:00 – 6:00p as part of the larger Centennial Summerfest. For infomation on applying as an artist, please visit Creative Albuquerque’s website for detailed instructions 

Creative Bravos Awards Dinner – Tickets on Sale

Now in their 27th year of honoring excellence, the Creative Bravos Awards Ceremony have earned a place among the city’s most exciting annual events. The gala event includes a welcome reception, sensational silent auction and the food of Slate Street Cafe; the awards ceremony and celebration of the 2012 Creative Bravos Honorees; followed by a champagne and dessert reception. All take place in the stunning surroundings of the Albuquerque Museum.

The 2012 Creative Bravos Award Recipients are:

• Media Arts Collaborative Charter School
• Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque
• Matthew Greer – Quintessences Artistic Director
• Dr. Shelle VanEttten de Sanchez – NHCC
• Emerging Creatives: Tim Nisly & Carlos Contreras
• Young Creatives: Sofia Resnik & Mikala Aragon-Sterling
• People Choice Award: Albuquerque Theatre Guild
• President’s Award: Dale Dekker & Dekker/Perich/Sabatini

Advance reservations are required. Tickets to the event are $75 for Creative Albuquerque members, $125 for two member tickets purchased at the same time. The non-member rate is $95 per ticket.

Call for Artists – 100 for 100 Centennial Arts Show

The City of Albuquerque and the Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District invite artists and craftspeople from the Greater Albuquerque area to participate in the upcoming Centennial Summerfest 100 for 100: A Statewide Juried Arts & Crafts Market.  

will showcase 100 artists from the statewide network of Arts & Cultural Districts; 50 of those artists will be from Albuquerque. A panel of judges from around the state will award prizes for presentation and content, including Best in Show. The market will take place in Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12:00 – 6:00p as part of the larger Centennial Summerfest. For infomation on applying as an artist, please visit Creative Albuquerque’s website for detailed instructions.