Culture - The Daily Lobo

Culture

Graduating culture reporter Elijah Ritch comments on commentary

Addison Fulton | May 12

After a year of working for the Daily Lobo, culture reporter Elijah Ritch is graduating from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in film studies and a concentration in film criticism and history. “I came on at the beginning of my senior year, and because I had never thought (the Lobo) would be something for me, or something that I would be into or would enjoy, or something that would benefit me career-wise,I always thought that I wanted to go into other things,” Ritch said. “But an internship last summer made me realize that my calling in life is to be a writer in some form or fashion.”

Culture

Documentary about dementia explores memory, identity and family

Emmett Di Mauro and Elijah Ritch | May 11

On March 6, Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema hosted two screenings of filmmaker Kyle Henry’s new documentary “Time Passages.” A Q&A session with Henry was held after each screening. “Time Passages” is a portrait of the filmmaker coming to terms with his mother’s dementia, which forces him to reflect on his childhood, his relationship with his mother and his perception of his family members’ lives.

Culture

The Doo Wop Project returns to Popejoy Hall

Leila Chapa | May 10

On May 11, at 3 p.m., the Doo Wop project returns to Albuquerque to perform at Popejoy Hall for the third time. The Doo Wop project takes audiences back in time, giving a vintage spin and adding a nostalgic element to contemporary songs, which they call being “doowopified,” according to a Popejoy press release. “The Doo Wop Project brings the stage to life, weaving the history of doo-wop into a vibrant experience that’s equal parts concert, tribute, and celebration,” the press release reads.

Culture

UNM Sustainability Expo highlights eco-friendly local businesses and organizations

Elijah Ritch | April 30

On Thursday, April 24, the 15th annual University of New Mexico Sustainability Expo invited the community to visit dozens of booths that promoted efforts to increase sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices. Ansely Emeanuwa, whose business — Live Flowers by Ansely the Flower Guy — can be found at the Downtown Growers’ Market and the Rail Yards Market on the weekends, said the expo was a rare opportunity for UNM students to have access to locally grown vegetables, herbs and flowers on campus.

Culture

Buy ‘Lobo’ sell high: ‘80s ad manager recounts history of ads at the Daily Lobo

Addison Fulton | April 28

Troy McCasland was the ad manager for the Daily Lobo in 1985. He began his work in ad sales in 1981, and immediately became fond of the Daily Lobo as a community. “It was a fraternity, it was a business organization, it was an education,” McCasland said. “It was like everything all wrapped up into one. It was truly the best part of my whole time at UNM.” McCasland was fascinated by the vast archives of old Daily Lobo issues and the rich history of the newspaper. He recalled seeing Lobo coverage of anti-Vietnam protests when National Guardsmen struck students with bayonets.

Culture

Guild Cinema May preview

Elijah Ritch | April 28

Here are a few of the many films that will be shown at Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema in May. Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s 1997 film “Cure” is a masterpiece of Japanese horror. The film follows a worn-out detective, played by renowned actor Kōji Yakusho, investigating a series of murders — each of which have been committed by a different person, but with the same calling cards left behind. His search leads him to a troubled young man who refuses to provide any answers. “Cure” is set amid the metropolitan malaise of late-‘90s Tokyo. Its abandoned buildings and haunting shadows provide the perfect setting for an existential horror/noir mash-up. Kurosawa’s film is all the more terrifying because it could easily be real.

Culture

‘Safe State’ photography show opens at Bingo Studios

Addison Fulton | April 23

On April 12, the photography exhibit “Safe State” by Jimmy Himes-Ryann opened at Bingo Studios art gallery in Albuquerque. The exhibit intends to explore through a visual medium what it means to be a transgender person in a “safe state.” Himes-Ryann is a journalist, photographer and adjunct professor in the communication and journalism department at the University of New Mexico. As they explained, much of the exhibit was inspired by state laws meant to protect seekers and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care, leading many people to use the term “safe state” to describe New Mexico. Through their work, Himes-Ryann questions — and invites others to question — what a “safe state” really means.

Culture

Cherry Reel Film Festival celebrates 10th anniversary

Lexis Lovato | April 21

The Associated Students at the University of New Mexico Southwest Film Center celebrated the 10th anniversary of its annual Cherry Reel Film Festival on Friday, April 18, awarding Golden Cherries for Best in Fest, audience’s choice and best animation, cinematography, script, acting, directing and experimental. Submissions for Cherry Reel are free for all UNM students. Entries must be 12 minutes or less and submitted by someone involved in the project. Cherry Reel Chair Jax Maloney said the festival has especially grown within the past few years. This year welcomed a new award category for best acting, as well as the return of the animation category that was introduced during the 2024 festival.

Culture

UNM faculty members hold discussion, Q&A on tariffs

Lexis Lovato | April 14

On Wednesday, April 9, the Albuquerque Consulate of Mexico and four University of New Mexico faculty members held a public meeting to discuss and answer questions about the tariffs recently implemented by President Donald Trump. Earlier this month, Trump paused tariffs on nearly 60 countries, but imposed 145% tariffs on products from China, according to the New York Times. In the simplest form, tariffs are taxes on goods that come from other countries, Reilly White, a UNM associate professor of finance, told the Daily Lobo in March. Event coordinator and law professor Paul Figueroa believes that tariffs will raise government revenue, but he finds “less empirical evidence” to substantiate the idea that the tariffs will save money for the average consumer, he said.

Culture

Who are the ‘bad girls’ of New Mexico history?

Lexis Lovato | April 14

On Saturday, April 12, Casa San Ysidro hosted a talk on the “Bad Girls of New Mexico” with historian Robert Tórrez. Casa San Ysidro is a reconstructed historical building located in the village of Corrales. The property is owned by the Albuquerque Museum. On the second Saturday of every month, free public events are held there, featuring guest speakers who cover New Mexico history. Visits to and tours of Casa San Ysidro typically cost $4-$6 on weekdays, but admission is free every Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Culture

Jo’s Farms celebrates lavender with plant sale

Elizabeth Bolke | April 14

Jo’s Farms — located in Albuquerque’s North Valley — held a plant sale from April 4-6 as part of its mission to highlight love and enthusiasm for lavender. Owner Lisa Fontanarosa purchased Jo's Farms in 2017. The farm is named after her mother, Josephine, she said. When Fontanarosa purchased the property, it was filled with horses, donkeys and alpacas, she said. But she saw the vision of a lavender field.

Culture

White Boy of the Month contest at UNM shut down

Maria Fernandez and Nate Bernard | April 14

The “White Boy of the Month” contest, an event with 21 contestants and over 50 attendees, was abruptly ended by University of New Mexico authorities on Thursday, April 10. The 21 contestants would have competed with impressions, dancing and any audience-suggested options while standing on a stool. Event posters posted around campus, featuring images of Zac Efron, Timothée Chalamet and Justin Bieber, encouraged all to compete.

Culture

UNM hosts book talk on emotional connections to water bodies

Dylan Anthony | April 14

On Tuesday, April 8, the third floor of Hodgin Hall hosted readings from “Water Bodies: Love Letters to the Most Abundant Substance on Earth,” edited by Laura Paskus. The event was put on by the University of New Mexico Water Resources Program and co-sponsored by three other UNM entities. Many of the event’s attendees came from sustainability programs at UNM, dealing with the political and scientific issues surrounding water use. But this particular night focused on emotional connections to bodies of water. “Water Bodies: Love Letters to the Most Abundant Substance on Earth” is a 2024 anthology featuring the works of writers, artists and poets. “Specifically, I wanted an anthology that would help us remember that water isn't just what it serves us. It's not just for irrigation; it's not even just for fish and ecosystems,” Paskus said. “Water is an entity, I believe, unto itself — with its own desires and needs and wants — and should have its own rights.” Paskus led the readings, followed by Leeanna Torres, Desiree Loggins, Maria Lane and Michelle Otero. Afterwards, instead of a Q&A, the speakers and audience took turns naming their favorite body of water. “I think it is important for us all to be together in community, especially right now, and to collectively allow water — and why water is important to us each individually — into our awareness,” Paskus said. Paskus — a longtime environmental journalist — stepped down from hosting the NMPBS series “Our Land: New Mexico’s Environmental Past, Present and Future” at the end of January. “I spent twenty-something years as a journalist writing about the science, the legality, the management, the politics,” Paskus said. “With this book, I really just wanted to focus on the emotional connections.” Dylan Anthony is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at culture@dailylobocom or on X @dailylobo

Culture

Museum STEM night lets adults express their inner child

Emmett Di Mauro and Elijah Ritch | April 14

On Friday, April 11, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History hosted an adult STEM night called “Discovery After Dark.” The event invited people 21 years and older to experience the museum’s “thought-provoking and engaging exhibits while participating in hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math fun,” according to Visit Albuquerque. Attendees were catered to by local vendors, such as food trucks and the nearby Bombs Away Beer Company. Among the exhibits was a booth where Gabriel Nemiroff, the museum’s director of education, gave lessons on folding origami cranes. The origami cranes were part of a project called Peace Cranes, related to a large hanging art installation above the exhibit.

Culture

Cirque Mechanics returns to Albuquerque with ‘Pedal Punk’ show

Leila Chapa | April 13

On Sunday, April 13 at 4 p.m., Cirque Mechanics will return to Popejoy Hall to perform its latest creation, “Pedal Punk.” Cirque Mechanics is “renowned for its groundbreaking fusion of circus artistry and mechanical ingenuity,” according to a Popejoy press release. Founded in 2004 by married couple Chris and Aida Lashua, Cirque Mechanics puts a spin on American circus with a mix of mechanical elements and human acrobatics.

Culture

UNO tournament deals out fun and funds

Nate Bernard | April 7

On Saturday, April 5, Canteen Brewhouse hosted its third annual UNO Tournament, drawing about 50 card-playing beer lovers and card sharks to their patio for an afternoon of friendly competition, drinks and community support. The event featured a bracket-style UNO competition with winners facing winners until one emerged as the ultimate UNO champion. Meanwhile, attendees enjoyed local brews and tested their luck in a raffle for prizes including T-shirts, water bottles and gift cards. Kenneth Kinderwater, who recently moved to Albuquerque, won both a raffle prize and a spot on the tournament bracket.

Culture

‘Common Ground’: UNM hosts campus tree celebration

Addison Fulton | April 7

On April 1, the University of New Mexico hosted a campus tree celebration with speakers, live-music, a seed-swap, tree-shaped cookies and a live tree-planting demonstration. The event corresponded with the beginning of April as Earth Month. For the first time, UNM was recognized as a higher education “Tree Campus” by the Arbor Day Foundation. To qualify for the designation, an institution must meet certain criteria — including having a campus tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for trees, annual Arbor Day observance and a service learning project that encourages student engagement, according to UNM Director of Sustainability Anne Jakle.

Culture

Guild Cinema April preview

Elijah Ritch | April 7

Here are some of the films Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema — a short distance from the University of New Mexico campus — will show in April. From April 8-10, the Guild will screen the 1980 film “The Elephant Man” as a part of its continuing tribute to David Lynch, who died in January. The film is a fictionalized account of the life of Joseph Merrick, a 19th-century Englishman with severe facial deformities. Played by John Hurt, he is discovered in a freak show by a doctor, played by Anthony Hopkins, who rescues and takes care of him.

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Culture

BODYTRAFFIC brings high-level contemporary dance to Popejoy Hall

Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | April 4

On Friday, April 4, contemporary dance company BODYTRAFFIC will travel from Los Angeles to perform at Popejoy Hall. “Led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC is known for its stunning performers, diverse technical mastery, and commitment to dynamic repertoire that is captivating for dance lovers and dance newcomers alike,” a Popejoy press release reads.

Culture

Building community: SUB hosts Lego ‘Block Party’

John P. Hefti | March 24

On March 14, the University of New Mexico hosted a “Block Party” event in the Student Union Building, giving attendees the opportunity to assemble anything they desired out of miscellaneous Lego pieces. Those who attended were also offered free pizza from Dion’s and were entered into a raffle to win prizes including event tickets, a TV and, of course, Lego sets.