Archive for February, 2009

Want to get away to an affordable destination this spring? Plan your next trip to Albuquerque. Soak in our blue skies and 310 days of sunshine - perfect for year-round outdoor activities!  Albuquerque offers diverse cultures, authentic art and vibrant traditions all at a fantastic value. Come experience the history that continues to unfold.

Affordable Albuquerque
Albuquerque is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable cities. Check out our packages, coupons and deals.

Take a Day Trip to Santa Fe
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express train now has north-south service through the Albuquerque metro area and Santa Fe providing a convenient and cost effective transportation option. Stay in the affordable Albuquerque metro area and take the commuter train to explore Santa Fe for the day.

Albuquerque has a new Visitors Guide with a pull-out city map - request one here

View our new Interactive Visitors Guide

As part of its highly acclaimed Latin Diva Concert Series the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is proud to present Afro-Peruvian musical star Eva Ayllón on Saturday, March 14th at 8 pm in the NHCC’s Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts.  The NHCC is located at 1701 4th Street SW (Corner of 4th Street and Avenida César Chávez).  Tickets are $15, $20, $25 with a $5 NHCC member discount and can be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com and in person at the NHCC box office.

Eva Ayllón is considered one of Peru’s most celebrated musical artists and has been called the “Queen of Afro-Peruvian Soul”.  She returned to U.S. stages this past November bringing her magnificent interpretations of her country’s folkloric música criolla – soul-stirring blend of native Peruvian, African and Spanish music.  Ayllón is a two-time Grammy nominee and has been called “The Tina Turner of Afro-Peruvian music, energetic and playful, sexy and fully charged” by the Los Angeles Times.  Ayllón’s performance features accompaniment by an eight-member band which includes two outstanding young soloists, guitarist Luis Manrique and pianist Moises Lamas, plus a powerhouse rhythm section led by the Campos brothers from the group Perú Negro who are masters of the authentic Peruvian cajón, a crate-like percussion instrument that is said to have been first played by slaves in Perú.  Her repertoire ranges from the romantic Spanish songs known as “valses” of coastal Peru to the distinctive rhythms brought by African slaves: the sensual landó, the throbbing festejo, and the bawdy, insouciant alcatraz.

Recognized as the leading exponent of Afro-Peruvian music, Ayllón has 4 platinum records, 10 gold records, and two Latin Grammy nominations for “Eva” and “To My Country,” an album she recorded with Los Hijos del Sol and Alex Acuña.  Eva has toured all over the world, including Europe, Japan, Canada, and has performed with some of Latin music’s biggest recording stars, including Marc Anthony, Rapael, Alex Lora, Pedro Aznar, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Armando Manzanero, and Kjarkas.  For additional information visit http://www.evaayllon.net/

The mission of the NHCC is the preservation and promotion of Hispanic arts and humanities at the state, national and international levels.  The NHCC is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Children, ages 4-12, are invited to Tingley Beach this Saturday, February 28, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, for the first annual Kids Fishing Fair. (Of course, parents must tag along with their kids!)  This fun and FREE event features Discovery Stations about fish and other New Mexico wildlife. No license is required for children 11 and younger. Children 12 years old must have a valid NM Fishing license.

Children can learn about fishing with New Mexico Game and Fish, casting and fly tying with New Mexico Trout, waterfowl and benthic macroinvertebrates (bugs!) with BioPark Education, “Leave No Trace” ethics with REI and more. Participants will even have the chance to meet some wildlife up close! Activities will take place near the Children’s Fishing Pond.

Additional Albuquerque, NM information