Calendar of Events – Feb 11-Feb 17th

Central/Northeast

Jack Rabbit Classic — The 11th annual trail and road runs are 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Franklin Mountain State Park, Tom Mays Unit, off Transmountain Road. Events include 7.5 mile and 3.5 mile trail runs and a 5K paved road run. Trophies to top 3 overall male and female in each event; all runners receive a technical t-shirt. Cost: $20 for 5K and $25 for trail runs by Feb. 10; $25 for 5K and $30 for rail runs Feb. 11-12. No race day registration. Spectator fee is $4 for park entrance. Information: Chris, 478-5663 or tpwd.state.tx.us

Packet pick up is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11-12, at Up and Running, 3233 N. Mesa. All runners must pick up packets and park entrance permit prior to race day.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ — Kids-N-Co., 1301 Texas, presents its version of the classic fairy tale written and directed by Erik Myers Jan. 29-Feb. 20. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $7 ($5 children, seniors, students and active military); available at the door one hour before show. Advance reservations accepted for groups of 10 or more. Information: 351-1455 or kidsnco.org.

‘Blithe Spirit’ — Noel Coward’s British comedy is Feb. 11-March 5 at El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Directed by Jean Ames. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military and students with ID). Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.

The play asks the question: “Can dead wives still be jealous?” Yes!

Valentine dinner and dance — Santa Lucia Catholic Church, 518 Gallagher, will host its annual Valentine dance 7 p.m., to midnight Saturday, Feb. 12, at the church’s Centro Amistad Hall, featuring a dinner and live music by the Rhapsody Band. Dinner served at 7 p.m.; dance begins at 8 p.m. BYOB. Cost: $25 ($50 per couple); reservations recommended. Information: 592-5245.

Lower Valley

Cupid’s Chase 5K — The 5K run and 1-mile fun walk benefiting Community Options is 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta. All runners receive a t-shirt. Registration (by Feb. 10): $20 ($15 students, military, seniors) for the run; $15 ($10 students, military, seniors) for the walk). Registration increases by $5 off Feb. 10. Park entrance fee is $1 per vehicle. Information: 771-7764 or comop.org.

Packet pick-up is noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Community Options Office, 1420 Geronimo, or 7 to 7:45 a.m. on race day at the starting line.

The Las Cruces Cupid’s Chase 5K run is 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, in Old Mesilla. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Information: (575) 532-9275 or active.com.

Tuff Hedeman Championship Bull Riding — Four-time World Champion Bull Rider and El Paso native Tuff Hedeman presents the World Championship bull riding event at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 Paisano. This event sells out every year. Tickets: $15-$75; military discounts offered. (Ticketmaster) Information: , 544-9000, 1-800-745-3000 or CBRbull.com.

A free tailgate party, with live entertainment, begins in the parking lot at 5 p.m.

Eastside

‘El Sueño de Petra’ — “Viva Mexico” Theater Ensemble and El Paso Community College’s Senior Adult Program present the original bilingual comedy by Rubert Reyes at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11-13, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. Directed and translated by Malena Cano. Admission: $6. Information: 772-3905, 329-7774, 831-7803 or vivamexicoelpaso.com.

Collectibles show — A sports card, toy, collectibles show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Hyatt Hotel, 6030 Gateway East (at Geronimo), hosted by J & M Sportscards. Information: 591-5050.

Valentine Art Fair — Friday through Sunday, Feb. 11-13, at Bassett Place, 6101 Gateway West. Local artists, jewelry and collectibles. Information: 772-7479 or bassettplacemall.com.

EPW Valentine’s Day Dance — Enterprising and Professional Women, Paso del Norte hosts its fundraising Valentine’s Day dance 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Lancer’s Club East, 3135 Trawood. Buffet dinner served 6 to 7 p.m. Proceeds help raise funds to award college/training scholarships for women who are economically disadvantaged, but still do not meet federal guidelines for financial aid. Admission: $30 (includes dinner).

Information: Gloria Flores, 851-3692 or bpw-international.org/

Valentine’s Dance and Dinner — Abundant Living Faith Center will host the dinner and dance 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Monte Carlo Ballroom, 1781 North Zaragoza, featuring dinner, unlimited soft drinks and dancing. No childcare provided or alcoholic beverages allowed. Cost: $30; available in advance at the church office, 1000 Valley Crest. Information: 532-8543 or ALFC.com.

Westside/Downtown

‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre presents Terrance McNally’s Tony Award-winning musical based on the Manuel Puig novel “El Beso de la Mujer Arana” Feb. 11-27, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Showtime is 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; dinner matinee performance is 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13; non-dinner matinees are 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20 and 27. Tickets $26-$38 dinner shows; $12-$22 non-dinner matinee. Information: 747-6060.

The musical revamps a harrowing tale of persecution into a dazzling spectacle that juxtaposes gritty realities with liberating fantasies. Cellmates in a Latin American prison, Valentin is a tough revolutionary undergoing torture for political information and Molina is an unabashed homosexual serving eight years for deviant behavior. Molina shares his fantasies about a movie actress named Aurora with Valentin to help him escape mentally from the horrors of the prison.

Flashdance 2011 — The annual dance spectacular showcasing the city’s best high school performers, with performance by the UTEP Golddiggers, is at 5 p.m. Sunday Feb. 13, at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. Admission: $8.

‘All Shook Up’ — Broadway El Paso presents the musical featuring the songs of Elvis Presley 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 at The Plaza Theatre. With more than 24 Elvis hits, “All Shook Up” kick starts a chain reaction of romances and rebellion through the power of rock n roll music. Hits include “Jailhouse Rock,” “That’s All Right, “Don’t Be Cruel,” Burning Love” and more. Tickets: $25-$48.50, plus service charges. Information: 544-8444 or ticketmaster.com.

Combining all time favorite Elvis hits with a whole new story full of hilarious twists and turns, “All Shook Up” is “Footloose,” “Grease” and “Happy Days” all rolled into one zany story. A young mechanic named Natalie dreams of escaping her quiet Midwestern life. When a tall, handsome motorcycle riding stranger with blue suede shoes and a guitar strapped to his back rides into town in search of a mechanic, Natalie’s whole life changes. She falls instantly in love with the new stranger, but he won’t give her the time of day. So Natalie disguises herself as “one of the guys” to get closer to him.

‘Rite of Spring’ and Other Dances – The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance features its spring faculty dance performance Feb. 10-13 in the Fox Fine Arts Wise Family Theatre, featuring choreography by Emily Morgan, Myron Nadel and Lisa Smith and performances by dancers from UTEP and the community. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $12 ($10 UTEP faculty/staff, seniors, military, groups of ten or more and non-UTEP students; $9 UTEP students and children age 4 to 12). Information: 747-5118 or theatredance.utep.edu.

Igor Stravinsky’s powerful score, “The Rite of Spring,” is the inspiration for this year’s concert, as Morgan tackles the rhythms of this music, creating an original contemporary dance work full of dramatic intensity and movement texture. Nadel and Smith contribute two new pieces, “Deep Blues from the 10th Avenue Laundromat,” set to a suite of songs by Peggy Lee, and a pas de deux that explores the original man vs. woman dynamic of Adam and Eve. The program also features two historic modern works by Martha Graham.

Milagro Gala — The inaugural benefit gala event for El Paso Children’s Hospital is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso Street. Cocktail attire. Tickets: $125. Information/reservations: 521-7229, ext. 2989.. Space is limited Information: 532-6280 or epdiabetes.org.

Singles Game Night — Peggy Kligman, inventor of “The Goat Game” will host an evening for singles at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Lancer’s Club West’s VIP Room, 6006 N. Mesa, top floor. Food and bar service available. Seating is limited. Cost: $10 (cash only). Information/RSVP: 740-5051 or admin@goatgame.com. Web: goatgame.com.

Valentine Ball — El Paso Friends of Jazz Society’s 7th annual Valentine’s Day dinner and dance is 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 12, at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino’s Signature Showroom, featuring live music by Azucar. Dinner served 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $35 (includes dinner buffet). Proceeds benefit the society’s Mary and Eddie Davis Scholarship Fund. Information: 584-0977 or elpasofriendsofjazz.org.

‘The Vagina Monologues’ — UTEP’s annual production of the award-winning Eve Ensler play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-12 at Magoffin Auditorium. The production is part of V-Day at UTEP. Doors open at 6 p.m. with pre-show by Chrissy Gurrola Friday and Jayden’s Playground Saturday, as well as other multimedia entertainment both days. Proceeds go towards the Reynolds Home. Tickets: $10 general admission; $20 VIP. (Ticketmaster).

V-Day (V for Victory, Valentine and Vagina) is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Information: vday.org.

This year’s production is sponsored by Frontera Women’s Foundation and hosted by Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.,

Other V-Day events:

Night of Hope Ball — El Paso Diabetes Association will host its 3rd annual fundraising gala 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 12, at the El Paso Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza, featuring a romantic Valentines’ day dinner and dance. All proceeds from the event remain in El Paso, and go towards the Diabetes Association’s various programs. Admission: $100 (includes reserved seating, dinner and dance).

UTEP Men’s Basketball – Home games are at the Don Haskins Center. Individual tickets: $14 to $50, plus service charge. Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com. The team hosts SMU at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.

UTEP Women’s Basketball — Home games are in the Don Haskins Center. Tickets: $5.50, plus service charge. Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com

• 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 — Tulane

Championship Boxing — El Paso’s David “El Nino” Rodriguez takes on Ty “The Tiger” Cobb in a heavyweight fight at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Don Haskins Center. Tickets: $73.45 and $105.25; includes service charge (Ticketmaster).

Southern New Mexico

‘The Valentine Soiree’ – The Guild of the Spencer Theater hosts its 10th annual romantic dinner and dance is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the theater at Airport Hwy 220 in Alto, N.M. (about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso). The event features a gourmet meal, and dancing to the Michael Francis Trio. Tickets: $50. Information: 1-888-818-7872 or spencertheater.com.

Randy Sabien and Mike Dowling — The jazz musicians perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door; available in advance at Hubbard’s Music ‘N More and Enchanted Gardens. Information: (575) 571-7435.

Jazz violinist Randy Sabien founded and chaired a new jazz string department at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. After more than 30 years, countless performances and 10 CDs, he is now the head of the string department at the McNally Smith Music School in St. Paul, Minn.

Dowling’s performances ranges from bottleneck blues to vintage jazz and more.

Yolanda Martinez — Legends Alive presents the singer/songwriter at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at The Black Box Theatre, 420 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Martinez received a 2004 Nammy (Native American Music Award) winner for “Best Female Artist.” Her 2008 CD “America” won for “Best Remake” for the song “Summer Time.” She is considered to be a Master Drum Maker and holds workshops and drumming circles all over the US and Europe. The second half of her performance features a drumming circle. Admission: $15. Information: (575) 523-1223.

Chocolate Fantasia – The 12th annual celebration of arts and sweet delicacies is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, in historic downtown Silver City. Local art galleries, shops and other sites will offer chocolate creations made by local professional and amateur chocolatiers. Participants can select 20 chocolate creations from around 30 participating shops and galleries. Live music offered at several locations and area restaurants will offer chocolate specials. The Monsoon Puppet Theatre will host a “Running of the Puppets” down Bullard Street that afternoon. Sponsored by the Mimbres Region Arts Council. Tickets: $20 (includes 20 chocolate treats and a map of locations); available in advance the MRAC Office, 1201 Pope. Candy gift boxes available for $2. Tickets sell out every year. Tickets/information: (575) 538-2505 or mimbresarts.org.

A special reception is set for 4:30 p.m. at Isaac’s Bar and Grill, 200 N. Bullard, for the top three award winning chocolatiers immediately following the event.

Gourmet chef Rob Connoley will debut his chocolate sculpture 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Curious Kumquat, 111 E. College.

Chocolate Fantasia Headquarters are at Silco Theatre, 311 N. Bullard, on the day of the event.

The Curious Kumquat will host a 10-course chocolate dinner at 6:30 p.m. the day of the event. Space is limited to 18 guests. Tickets: $60 for the meal; $75 meal and wine pairings. Information/reservations (575) 534-0337.

Randy Sabien and Mike Dowling — The jazz musicians perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door; available in advance at Hubbard’s Music ‘N More and Enchanted Gardens. Information: (575) 571-7435.

Jazz violinist Randy Sabien founded and chaired a new jazz string department at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. After more than 30 years, countless performances and 10 CDs, he is now the head of the string department at the McNally Smith Music School in St. Paul, Minn.

Dowling’s performances ranges from bottleneck blues to vintage jazz and more.

Yolanda Martinez — Legends Alive presents the singer/songwriter at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at The Black Box Theatre, 420 Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Martinez received a 2004 Nammy (Native American Music Award) winner for “Best Female Artist.” Her 2008 CD “America” won for “Best Remake” for the song “Summer Time.” She is considered to be a Master Drum Maker and holds workshops and drumming circles all over the US and Europe. The second half of her performance features a drumming circle. Admission: $15. Information: (575) 523-1223.

Bob Burns and Mike Caranda Orchestra — The big-band style orchestra, named for the late bandleader Mike Caranda and led by Bob Burns, will host its 2nd annual Valentine’s Day dinner and dance benefiting Free Wheelchair Mission Sunday, Feb. 13, at Ramada Palms Hotel and Conference Center in Las Cruces. Dinner served at 5 p.m., dance is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $35 per person ($400 advanced reserved table for 10). Information/reservations: (575) 525-2450 or tickets@liftinglivesnn.org.

Las Cruces Symphony Chamber Orchestra — The orchestra performs at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces, with special guest 18-year-old cello virtuoso Julian Schwarz. The performance includes selections from Mozart, Haydn and Schubert. Tickets: $15 ($5 students with ID). Information: (575) 646-3709.

Rhodes Canyon bike ride — White Sands National Monument’s Outdoor Recreation will host a ride to an area of the range not normally accessible to the general public Saturday, Feb. 12. The ride is about 24 miles over mostly rocky, mixed terrain with a 1,500-foot elevation gain. In-processing is 6:30 to 7 a.m. at the Small Missile Range entrance, between markers 174 and 175 on Hwy 70. Online registration deadline is Feb. 6; participation limited to the first 50 people to pre-register; no registration day of the event. Fee: $40 (includes t-shirt, lunch and refreshments. Information: (575) 678-1713. Registration: wsmrmwr.com.

‘The Prisoner of Second Avenue’ — Las Cruces Community Theatre presents Neil Simon’s Manhattan comedy Feb. 11-27. Directed by James Jensen. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Opening Night Gala is Friday, Feb. 11, with buffet and drinks. Tickets: $10 ($9 students, seniors and military; $8 per seat for groups of 10 or more; $7 ages six and younger). Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.

Mel Edison is a well-paid executive of a high-end Manhattan firm who “gets the ax” when it hits the skids. His wife takes a job to tide them over, but she soon gets fired. Compounded by a variety of other problems, he does the only thing left for him to do-he has a nervous breakdown and it’s the best thing that ever happened to him.

‘Love Secrets from Outer Space’ — Local playwright Timothy McAndrews presents the short play Feb. 12-14 at the newly re-opened Tumbleweed Theater, 205 Broadway in Columbus, N.M. The comedic dinner show is preceded by a Valentine’s Day musical variety show featuring local performers. Performances are 7 p.m. Saturday and Monday and 2 p.m. Sunday; doors open 90 minutes prior to showtime. Tickets: $20; includes dinner. Reservations required: (575) 531-2542 or (575) 494-0009.