Culture

Culture

Popejoy cancels student discounts for Broadway performances

Shayla Cunico | October 28

The University of New Mexico’s performance hall, Popejoy Hall, has announced they are pulling back student discounts for Broadway productions due to issues with funding provided by the Student Fee Review Board (SFRB). By mid-September most of the student fee revenue that was dispersed to Popejoy was used up due to student subscriptions and the high demand for Wicked tickets, according to Terry Davis, the marketing manager for PopeJoy Hall. That, paired with UNM’s decrease in student enrollment, hit Popejoy in their pockets. UNM’s enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year is down by 7.17 percent from last year according to the Fall 2018 official enrollment report.

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Culture

SUB hosts Halloween Bingo

Luisa Pennington | October 28

The University of New Mexico’s Student Programming in the Student Union Building hosted Halloween Bingo on Friday at 8 p.m. in the SUB. The event, which is part of UNM’s UNI Nights, attracted around 100 University students. Students with a valid UNM ID were welcomed into the event, receiving a free fanny pack and candy. For those interested in following the UNM SUB’s Instagram or Snapchat, an additional chance to win a UNI Nights mug was offered through a raffle.

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Culture

Five and Why: Local drag queen Avery Taureaux's favorite albums

Yana Apostalon | October 25

With the help of some make up and carefully crafted outfits, Freddie Bell turns into Avery Taureaux on the stages of Sidewinders Bar, Albuquerque Social Club, Twist Nightclub, Zullo’s Bar and Bistro and The Clubhouse; Alternative Lifestyle Club. What started with being an attendee at RuPaul’s Drag Race event at Sidewinders, dressed as the famous Naomi Smalls, turned into several performances in clubs across Albuquerque as Avery. As a wardrobe stylist, Avery puts thought into the functionality and aesthetic of each outfit. Her routines involve drops and intensive choreography so there is little room for wardrobe malfunctions.

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Culture

Artists panel discusses crossover of art and activism

Macey Rose | October 23

The power of art as a form of activism was discussed at the University of New Mexico’s Art Museum this past Thursday among a panel of three artists and guest presenters who came to give insight on the matter. The crowd of people took their seats in the upper base room of UNM’s Art Museum, with the essence of freedom pride in the midst. A glimpse of the “For Freedoms” interactive art exhibit acted as a backdrop for the three panelists, reflecting the discussion about to ensue that evening. Sheri Crider, a visual artist and owner of Sanitary Tortilla Factory was present, along with Daryl Lucero, an Isleta artist, educator, facilitator and food grower. Gabrielle Uballez was another panelist as well, and currently serves as the Minister of Collaboration and Activation for the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture.

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Culture

Broadway sensation "Wicked" makes stop at Popejoy

Veronica Apodaca | October 22

Popejoy Hall, known for attracting high profile performances to New Mexico, saw the return of the national touring production of the Broadway phenomenon “Wicked” on Oct. 17. The show tells the story behind the two iconic witches of “The Wizard of Oz.” Its powerful narrative of female friendship and the far-reaching effects of oppression told through a clever script and beautiful songs has made it an international success, and Albuquerque audiences share in the enthusiasm. “Albuquerque seems to be incredibly receptive to Broadway,” said Jan Turri, the local publicist for the Broadway in New Mexico series at Popejoy. “Popejoy is one of the best houses, and it’s the perfect place for Broadway.”

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Culture

Hundreds of runners participate in Duke City Marathon

Justine Lopez | October 22

Sunday, hundreds of runners gathered downtown at Civic Plaza for the 35th annual Duke City Marathon. The marathon kicked off at 7 a.m. and was followed by a marathon relay, half marathon, 10k and 5k. Runners took their mark and dashed down 3rd Street at the sound of the starting pistol. Some participants took off clad in tutus, and others sported no shoes at all. A family of five wore different colored shirts with Pokémon characters printed on the front. Every runner wore a bib indicating which event they were in. University of New Mexico alumna, Holly Armstrong, participated in the 5K race this year alongside her husband. She said she did not train prior to the race but wanted to take part to enjoy herself.

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Culture

"Breaking Bad" creator hosts Q&A at UNM

Luisa Pennington | October 21

On Thursday, a crowd of over 400 people gathered at the University of New Mexico’s Student Union Building to listen to a “Breaking Bad” ABQ and A session that featured show creator Vince Gilligan and Mayor Tim Keller. Hosted by the UNM’s Honors College, “Breaking Bad” ABQ and A was the first lecture in the Carruthers Lecture Series. In order to recognize the importance of higher education, the Garry Carruthers Chair in Honors Endowment funds the series. This year’s title is “My New Mexico.” Specifically, the Q&A was made possible by the hand-selected Honors College Council members whose duties are to promote the honors program and bring attractions to the University. It was also created to teach council members about the state and its culture. The Q&A was lead by Honors College Associate Professor, Ryan Swanson.

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Culture

In-Nov-Action highlights students' dancing skills

Tiffani Watteyne | October 18

On Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Waters Center for Dance at Carlisle Gym, the In-Nov-Action Concert will begin showing off the choreography and performances done by selected students at the University of New Mexico. “Alongside the faculty in the dance program, Professor Encinias and I select the works to be performed and mentor students on their choreographic creations,” said Vladimir Conde Reche, one of the Artistic Directors for In-Nov-Action as well as the Associated Chair in the Department of Theatre and Dance and associate professor at UNM. Eva Encinias-Sandoval is involved as an artistic director, along with Reche. Encinias is a full time professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, as well as the person in charge of the Flamenco Concentration in the dance program at UNM.

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Culture

Famous comic performs at the SUB

Makayla Grijalva | October 18

Students filled the Student Union Building ballrooms in order to see comedian Azhar Usman perform on Tuesday in a free event hosted by Associated Students of the University of New Mexico’s group, Student Special Events. Usman, a Chicago native, has previously opened for fellow comedians including Dave Chappelle. He assisted in writing Hasan Minhaj’s White House Correspondents speech. He also had his hand in producing several stand-up specials and has his own in the works.

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Culture

Harvest Festival celebrates fall in Albuquerque

Veronica Apodaca | October 15

With the weather slowly but surely beginning to move toward cooler temperatures, the Albuquerque BioPark marked the beginning of autumn with its annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 13. Held at the Heritage Farm in the BioPark Botanic Garden, the event, previously known as the Cider Festival, has now expanded to include other aspects of local agriculture such as roasted green chile, a pumpkin patch where visitors were able to purchase and harvest their own pumpkins and a farmer’s market with flowers available for purchase. “Here at the Heritage Farm, we’re really looking to support community agriculture and sustainable agriculture,” said Pamela Dupzyk, the Botanic Gardens’ education coordinator.

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Culture

Movie Review: "Venom" exceeds all expectations

Tiffani Watteyne | October 15

This year has been full of high expectations for superhero movie releases, including “Venom,” which did not disappoint. Warning, to those who are waiting and have yet to see the film. There are hints to plot points, spoilers to the film and the extras after the credits present in this article. If you do not wish to ruin the movie before you see it, please consider skipping over this article. The story focused on journalist Eddie Brock, played by Tom Hardy, whose hard hitting news stories dealt with bringing down corrupt people in society. Carlton Drake, played by Riz Ahmed, the founder of the human conservation and life lengthening research project called the Life Foundation, is the next on Brock’s list of people to take down.

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Culture

Spooky Podcasts to listen to this Halloween

Megan Holmen | October 13

It’s October and that means Halloween is creeping around the corner. Spooky themed movies, music and decorations are all around and if you too are a podcast junkie, this is the list for you. “Spooked” By Snap Judgement Average Spookiness of Season: 8.5/10 Hosted by Glynn Washington, this podcast holds a serious tone with very little humor in it and is perfect for listeners who want to get creeped out. Washington hosts a variety of guest speakers who have all kinds of unexplainable or unusual stories to tell, all from their own experiences.

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Culture

On the run: The chase crew of the Balloon Fiesta

Justine Lopez | October 9

Thousands of visitors packed into Balloon Fiesta Park last Saturday for the opening day of the 47th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Hundreds of balloons of all shapes and sizes took to the morning sky as spectators cheered on the pilots and bid them a safe trip. The work of a balloon pilot is no easy feat. Pilots and chase crews arrive to the park well before dawn to take part in the event. Keith Lutz and his crew have been participating in the fiesta for the better part of a decade. Lutz and his wife Michelle first took an interest in ballooning as spectators. Later they became participants on a chase crew until Lutz decided he wanted to become a pilot. Now Lutz and his crew, named The Flying Monkeys, help him fly his balloon, High Maintenance II.

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Culture

Movie Review: "A Star is Born" shows Gaga at her best

Veronica Apodaca | October 9

“A Star is Born,” the latest adaptation of a story that has been told in Hollywood for decades, is a deeply affecting film showcasing the darker side of life in the spotlight. The film, which opened on Oct. 5, marks the directorial debut of Bradley Cooper, who stars alongside Lady Gaga. Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a successful country-rock musician who tries to hide his alcoholism and hearing loss from the public. After a concert which leaves him visibly drained, Jackson stops at a bar where he encounters struggling singer Ally, played by Gaga. Jackson instantly recognizes Ally’s talent and encourages her to come on tour with him. As they travel and perform together, they bond over their love of music and begin to form a romantic relationship. Although they clearly love each other, Jackson’s drinking problem and declining career continuously drive a wedge between them.

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Culture

On the rise: The 2018 International Balloon Fiesta

Shayla Cunico | October 7

The 47th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicked off this weekend with hundreds of balloons and thousands of spectators, with some balloons ascending and some remaining static due to weather limitations. Balloonists from all over the world gather in Albuquerque every year to celebrate the unique story that each balloon tells, featuring balloonists from Great Britain and Ireland, with a big flight of local Albuquerque balloons. Each group of balloonists gives out collectable cards that state the home of the balloon, the balloon’s name and sometimes including information on the pilot. Another popular collectable item that attendee’s sport are traditional enamel pins.

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Culture

Chinese culture celebrated at Dragon Lights Festival

Macey Rose | October 7

Beginning Oct. 5, the Dragon Lights Festival, previously called the Chinese Lantern Festival, made its return to Expo New Mexico. Vibrant lantern displays were powered by more than 15,000 LED lights, accompanied with captivating performances and vendors. The festival was able to offer a piece of a China to our city. New Mexicans from all over the state gathered for opening night. As the sun was beginning to set the curtains of the main stage drew back, revealing the performances for a night of cultural radiance. Plate spinners, China jar juggling, contortion, face changing and other performances were all presented to the public to enlighten the community on the elements of Chinese culture. “We have a small, but vibrant and very important part of our city that is Chinese,” said Tim Keller, mayor of Albuquerque. “What a wonderful bridge to the Chinese people of Albuquerque that is the Dragon Lights Festival, which we are so happy to have in our city.”

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Culture

Movie Review: Michael Moore's wit delivers on "Fahrenheit 11/9"

Kyle Land | October 7

Life under President Trump’s administration has been anything but boring. Every week for the past two years, it seems the news has been infested with stories about the insanity that is current American politics. If anyone was to create a documentary encapsulating this crazy period in American history, there is probably no one more controversial, zany, lauded and irreverent than Michael Moore. From his work on documentary films like “Bowling for Columbine” and “Sicko,” it’s little wonder the director from Flint, Mich. has now decided to take on President Trump and a multitude of other conservatives in his latest doc “Fahrenheit 11/9,” a play on his 2004 Palme d’Or winning film “Fahrenheit 9/11.”

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Culture

PINK bus tour stops by UNM

Macey Rose | October 7

If you were walking through campus on Oct. 4, you were sure to see the massive PINK bus in the heart of Smith Plaza. The Victoria’s Secret PINK Tour is an annual event at select universities across the nation, and the University of New Mexico happens to be one of the chosen college campuses. “I’m already a big fan of PINK, so when I saw that they came I was really excited,” said Mahira Thabata, a sophomore at UNM. “I like to see if they have new merchandise and love that they brought some (of) their winter collection to UNM.”

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Culture

"Under Milk Wood" tells unique story

Veronica Apodaca | October 3

The University of New Mexico’s theatre department opened its season on Sept. 26 with “Under Milk Wood,” a lyrical depiction of life in a small Welsh town. Originally written by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas as a radio play for the BBC, the story examines how memory and imagination impact the interactions between people in their daily lives. Unlike plays which rely on realism, Thomas’ poetic descriptions of the events in the town create a unique storytelling atmosphere, with the audience being very aware that they are witnessing a performance.

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Culture

USITT helps students with careers in theater management

Veronica Apodaca | October 3

The University of New Mexico’s chapter of United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), held its first meeting this week on Oct. 3. This is a group of students studying the technical elements of theatre, such as stagecraft, stage management and lighting and costume design. The group said that it is important for students to be prepared to enter careers after graduating, and USITT helps them gain education and form connections in their chosen fields. USITT meets every other Tuesday at 4 p.m. in UNM’s Center for the Arts. The main purpose of these meetings is to prepare for the annual USITT conference.