- Don't forget! The lot behind us is not our lot. If you do not pay, the owner will boot your car and demand a ransom of $100 to remove the boot or will tow you if you do not pay the ransom! Do not let this happen to you. We recommend parking on the street if possible or across the street at "Park It Place" on 6th and Central, which is well-lit and much safer.
- Puccini Productions is a non-profit organization. We are currently accepting tax-deductible donations.
- Puccini Productions also has many great sponsors! Please take the time to visit and support these fine establishments, listed at the bottom of our website.
- Thank you to Studio D for helping to make our shows a success!
- Stay tuned for further updates.
Coming to the El Rey Theater:GallagherLooking for Intelligent Life
A Sledge-O-Matic ShowDate: Saturday, 6 February 2010 Proudly presented by Puccini Productions and sponsored by After graduating from the University of South Florida with an engineering degree, Gallagher got his first taste of life on tour in 1976 as Jim Stafford's road manager. Stafford and Gallagher went out to California in 1979 and Gallagher decided to take the stage himself. He began honing his own comedy act while hanging out at both the Comedy Store and the Ice House. As his audience grew, Gallagher became most noted for wielding his trademark Sledge-O-Matic. He showered his audience with the pulverized remains of apples, oranges, lettuce, cottage cheese, pound cakes, Big Macs and of course, no show can end without the Watermelon finale. Show goers turn up already Gallagher-ized, wearing plastic raincoats, goggles, sunglasses, umbrellas, and windshield wipers and refer to the front of the theater as "Death Row." Gallagher has the distinction of being the first real star to come out of cable television. To date he has done sixteen specials: Uncensored Evening, Mad As Hell, Too Real, Totally New, That's Stupid, Stuck in the 60's, The Maddest, Melon Crazy, The Bookkeeper, Over Your Head, The Messiest Of, Overboard, The Leap Year Marathon, We Need A Hero, Smashing Cheeseheads, and the most recent, Sledge-o-matic.com. Nine of these specials are available on home video, and can be purchased on his website at www.gallaghersmash.com. You can currently see Gallagher's specials on the Comedy Central Network. Being one of the most thoroughly calculating performers in the world of entertainment, Gallagher writes all of his own material. One of the reasons Gallagher has always been a successful touring attraction is that his ticket prices are very advantageous to the market. He has always been several dollars under everyone else. Gallagher's not greedy; he doesn't ask a huge ticket price. His fans always get more than their money's worth when they see a Gallagher show. He always gives them 110%. Before every show, Gallagher has an autograph signing party in the lobby, where fans can get his autograph and a picture with him. Flash photography is allowed at every Gallagher event. He even sells cameras if you forget yours! A Gallagher concert is an unforgettable experience. He is a keen and original observer of human nature and the American "scene". "My humor makes people think," Gallagher says. "I want people to look more closely at this country and their lives to see the humor and absurdity in it all... I don't have to make it up, the truth is funny enough." In 2000, Gallagher was honored by the University of South Florida as one of its famous alumni and by Florida Living Magazine as one of the top "100 Legends" of Florida. This is a 21+ event, but because it will be fun for all ages, persons under 21 will be admitted with a parent or legal guardian. Flash photography is permitted. TicketsClick here to view the seating chart."Smash Zone" (rows A through L) is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Reserved Seating (rows M through X) is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Standing room only (balcony) is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. You can't get Standing room only tickets at www.GetTix.net, though. The only place you can get them is Bookworks! Advance tickets can be purchased with cash only at Bookworks, Encore Music, and Birdland, but you can buy tickets with your credit or debit card by calling 1-866-I-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849), and at www.GetTix.net. Service charge, facility fee, and/or handling fee may apply for advance tickets. Fire Womyn
Date: Saturday, 13 February 2010 Fire is one of the Hottest dance parties in the ABQ area! Fire brings to you the top female djs in NM to make you move, groove and raise the Roof! This is a 21+ event. Zoltan Orkestar and AladociousWith special guestsThe Squash Blossom Boys and Fast Heart MartDate: Friday, 19 February 2010 Voted the 2nd best jazz band in the Alibi's 2009 Best of Burque, the Zoltan Orkestar performs quirky original songs in addition to Zoltanized standards and Hungarian folk songs. Classical guitarist Zoltan Szekely, who was born in Romania and raised in Hungary, founded the Zoltan Orkestar in 2006. Zoltan’s style is heavily influenced by both traditional Hungarian folk music and American classical jazz. He plays an instrument of his own devise, combining a guitar and a ukulele, with a bicycle horn, cymbal and xylophone thrown in for good measure, affectionately known as the "guikemaphone" (geek-a-ma-phone) or "Zoltanator." Joining Zoltan is his wife and vocalist, Glynda Szekely. In addition to lending her "voice of the hummingbird of the gods" to the band, Glynda also makes sure there is enough beer and estrogen at practice. There's never a dull moment around John Keith, accordionist and innuendoist extraordinaire. John has shared the stage with the likes of Buckwheat Zydeco, Bela Fleck, Los Lobos and Tanya Tucker. The world's tallest midget, John is well-known throughout Florida for his tiki carving skills. Bass is handled by Chris Tickner of The Big Spank fame. We don't know much about Chris; he is mysterious and elusive, much like the duck-billed platypus. We suspect he likes plaid. Raised by coyotes in the Albuquerque wilderness, percussionist Jeff Romaniuk rounds out the Orkestar. Having previously performed with many local and national bands, including the Eric McFadden Trio and Chris Dracup, Jeff is also an avid stamp collector and world-class snake milker. We are proud to welcome back The Squash Blossom Boys, an eclectic bluegrass quintet! Bringing together elements of jazz, rock, reggae, and traditional roots bluegrass, the band creates a unique sound that explores the roots and boundaries of bluegrass music. The band's stylistic versatility lends itself to the demands of multiple audiences and settings. The Squash Blossom Boys have played festivals, performance spaces, bars, restaurants, and even moving tractor trailers!! The music of The Squash Blossom Boys is easily accommodated for calm easy listening, as well as upbeat, lively atmospheres. As a comedian and environmentalist, Fast Heart Mart is controversial for questioning assumptions and stereotypes on both sides of the political fence - yet anarchists, liberals and conservatives agree that his outlook is fresh - his humor, relentless. Thriving on the unpredictable element, Fast Heart Mart can never get enough hecklers at his shows, and the audiences love to participate. During his ten-year career, Fast Heart Mart has opened for international acts as diverse as Calexico, Beck, The Handsome Family, Marshall Crenshaw, The Melvins, Bob Log III, Kasper Hauser Comedy Troupe, and 999 Eyes Human Oddities Freak Show. This is a 21+ event. Musician's Benefit for HaitiwithRacine Kreyol with The Afro-Haitian Dance and Drum Ensemble, The Deteriorators, The Rodney Bowe Band, Wagogo, Eva Encinias Flamenco Dance Troupe, Catherine McGill, and Danny Solis
Date: Saturday, 20 February 2010 The El Rey Theater is doing what it does best: host great musicians from all over the world! We're working hard to confirm as many great musicians as we can to perform for Haiti, so please mark your calendar now, and get ready to open your ears and your wallet for this one! All of the proceeds will go to the agencies Yele, Doctors Without Borders, Family-to-Family and Food For The Poor to directly help the people of Haiti. This gala event will have music that is diverse enough for every taste! The show will feature Racine Kreyol, a Creole group whose membership includes native Haitians. Because this disaster affected their immediate family is not the only reason to come out and enjoy this group. They get to your heart through a pulsating rhythm of percussion, guitar, keyboards, bass, saxophone, and drums working together to tell you the story of Haiti. Duc’s lead vocals sung in Creole French sends out the message with such emotion, that you don’t even have to know the language. Joining the band is the sensational Afro-Haitian Dance and Drum Ensemble. Also playing will be the witty, original blues and rock tunes of The Deteriorators. Although you have to admire their cohesiveness, those humorous lyrics is what will catch your ear. The Rodney Bowe Band delivers a smooth and danceable mix of sultry jazz and soul sounds. This veteran band will have you entertained, whether you want to sit back and enjoy their superior musicianship or want to dance. Wagogo is easily the longest-running world music group in the state. Frontman Louie Ortega has brought joy to the feet and ears of many world music fans for decades in New Mexico. Eva Encinias Flamenco Dance Troupe will be performing. They are known around the world for their exciting, visually arresting show. Special guest Catherine McGill will lend her considerable vocal talent on this night of immeasurable talent. Catherine McGill is an icon of the Albuquerque music scene, doing everything from one-woman shows to opening for national acts. Local poet extraordinaire Danny Solis will be reciting some spoken word that he has written regarding the plight of Haiti. KUNM’s Putnay will be your emcee for the evening. Please come hungry as Fofo’s Caribbean Cuisine will be serving up some tasty island food. Fofo’s reputation precedes her. Anyone who has ever tasted her savory recipes knows that it’s the only true island cooking in the state. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the cause. Come join us for an evening of eclectic, enchanting music and food, Haitian-style. You’ll have a great time and know you’re helping someone in a time of need. Because you can! This is a 21+ event. "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart... Are We?"Panel discussions and readings from The Diary of Anne Frank
Date: Sunday, 21 February 2010 In July 1942, Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in the hidden rooms of her father Otto Frank's office building. After two years, the group was betrayed and transported to concentration camps. Seven months later, Anne Frank died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Her father Otto, the only survivor of the family, returned to Amsterdam after the war to find that her diary had been saved, and his efforts led to its publication in 1947. The Diary is many things at one and the same time. It is amusing, enlightening, and often moving account of the process of adolescence, as Anne describes her thoughts and feelings about herself and the people around her, the world at large, and life in general. Anne was an ordinary girl, growing up in extraordinary times. Her diary has become one of the world's most widely read books, and has been the basis for several plays and films. Anne Frank has become one of the most renowned and most discussed victims of the Holocaust. Although the world of that period is divided from us by more than mere years, Anne's voice is very much like those of any youngster growing up both then and now. Kiara Petersen and Daniela Sanchez will be performing the role Anne Frank for the readings, directed by Kathy Zimmer. Panelists are Michael Peck (Holocaust Museum docent), Werner Gellert (Holocaust survivor), Gabrilla Hoeglund (Jungian psychoanalyst), LGBT, and Jane Blume (Desert Sky Communications and KUNM Personality). Admission is free. Doors will be at 1:30 PM and the show will begin at 2:00 PM. Following the readings and panel discussions, a reception will be held at the Holocaust and Intolerance Museum of New Mexico, 616 Central Ave. SW. The Museum is two doors down from the El Rey Theater. This event is sponsored by the Historic El Rey Theater, Puccini Productions, The Santa Fe Opera, The Holocaust & Intolerance Museum of New Mexico, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library System, Bookworks, and Freemonts. After February 4, 2010, people can go to The Holocaust & Intolerance Museum of New Mexico to pick up a free copy of the original edition of The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank, while supplies last.Following the readings and panel discussions, a reception will be held at the Holocaust and Intolerance Museum of New Mexico, 616 Central Ave. SW. Switchfootwith special guestsPaper Tongues
Date: Tuesday, 23 February 2010 Performers: Switchfoot and Paper Tongues. Email: elreytheater@qwestoffice.net Presented by Puccini Productions and Veil Arms Clothing. We're proud to have our friends at Switchfoot got their start in 1996 when the Foreman brothers and Butler came together around a mutual love of surfing and a passion for rock music spurred by such personal Southern California guitar heroes as Rocket from the Crypt, Drive like Jehu, Boilermaker, Three Mile Pilot and Heavy Vegetable. Originally called Chin Up, the alternative pop/rock outfit played several shows before adopting the Switchfoot moniker (taken from a surfing term). Jon Foreman says, "Hello Hurricane acknowledges the storms that tear through our lives. This album is an attempt to respond to those storms with an element of hope, trying to understand what it means to be hopeful in a world that keeps on spinning." The band spawned a Grammy nod and a spot on the RIAA platinum soundtrack in 2000, as Jon Foreman received the Les Paul Horizon Award for the Most Promising Up-and-Coming Guitarist. Switchfoot scored top 20 Billboard 200 hit with double-platinum success, many RIAA gold awards and countless singles on the Billboard charts. Switchfoot has also contributed and performed songs featured in major motion pictures such as A Walk to Remember and in Walt Disney Studios/Walden Media’s #1 box office theatrical release, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Acclaimed San Diego rock band Switchfoot has seen multi-platinum success over its vast career, which spans eight albums, numerous music industry award honors (including a Grammy nomination), and countless sold-out arena shows. 2001's A Beautiful Letdown went double-platinum on the strength of two gold-certified singles, 'Dare You To Move' and 'Meant To Live.' Switchfoot's seventh studio album, 'Hello Hurricane,' was released November 10th on Atlantic Records. The band's commercial successes are matched by their myriad philanthropic efforts; they have worked with Habitat For Humanity, The ONE Campaign and Invisible Children, among others. Notably, the band started and performs for its own charity called BroAm, a surf contest, charity auction, and festival concert featuring sets by Switchfoot and a host of other area artists, benefiting StandUp for Kids. During this tour, Switchfoot will sponsor a canned food drive in each city with donations going to local food banks! Jon Foreman has also released 26 songs on four EPs featuring acoustic instruments along with guest musicians such as Jeff Coffin (of Béla Fleck and The Flecktones and The Dave Mathews Band) and Karl Denson (of Lenny Kravitz and The Greyboy Allstars). Partnering up with Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek for Fiction Family, their self-titled debut features a dozen songs written by Foreman and Watkins and recorded by the duo at home studios around San Diego. This is an all ages event. Tickets can be purchased for $25 in advance and $30 at the door the night of the show. Advance tickets can be purchased with cash only at Bookworks, Encore Music, and Birdland, but you can buy tickets with your credit or debit card by calling 1-866-I-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849), and at www.GetTix.net. Service charge, facility fee, and/or handling fee may apply for advance tickets. Doors will be at 6:30 PM and the show will begin at 7:00 PM. Son Como Son
Salsa for the Spanish & Portuguese Graduate Student AssociationDate: Friday, 26 February 2010 This is a 21+ event. The BrownChicken BrownCow String Band
with special guests The Saltine RamblersDate: Saturday, 27 February 2010 Get on the BrownChicken Train! All aboard! BrownChicken BrownCow come from the Mountains of Southern West Virginia. BrownChicken BrownCow String Band emerged in the past year on to the acoustic scene performing original Appalachian String Band Music. Influences of their mountain roots can be heard in the stylistic twist they put into their string band music. Writing and arranging their own compositions BrownChicken BrownCow strives to bring sincerity and emotion to the stage. "BrownChicken" is about the energy shared with the listener. The music becomes an interaction with the audience. The sounds move from the stage, resonating with the audience and returning to spontaneously fuel the next moment of the performance. The band approaches music like a conversation. The bow strikes the fiddle strings leading a melody, accompanied with harmony from the mandolin while the guitar pushes the rhythm of the song through dynamic swells! Listening to the subtle nuances and responding to detail keeps the music fresh and listeners engaged. Traveling to new places and meeting new people as they perform has been an inspirational gift that keeps BrownChicken BrownCow on the road and performing! The Saltine Ramblers formed in late 2004 in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. The current lineup features original members Kevin Strange and Cory Minefee with Dave Ivey and Dave Payne. The Ramblers perform their own brand of bizarre Americana, and compliment it with old-time fiddle tunes, bluegrass standards and not-so-standards, rock n' roll, Rio Grande delta blues and so on. The Saltine Ramblers completed their first self-released album "Gajos De Manderina" in April '05 and have since created a series of free home recordings for distribution at shows. These include "Salt Trek" and "Friskey" from 2006 and "Warning: The Saltine Ramblers!" from 2007. This is a 21+ event sponsored by our friends at Tommy Castro
Date: Friday, 5 March 2010 Tommy Castro is one of the most popular and creative roots artists to emerge in recent years. On his newest CD, Painkiller, Castro teamed up with producer John Porter, renowned for his work with a Who's Who list of artists such as Los Lonely Boys, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Santana, B.B. King, Elvis Costello, and Buddy Guy. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Tommy expressed interest in learning to play the guitar at age ten. Young Castro was initially inspired by the Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop. Later, wanting to know who their influences were, Tommy became enthralled with the guitar playing of B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Elmore James and Freddie King, as well as the vocal styling of Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and James Brown. Carlos Santana said, "The blues is in good hands. When someone has the right intentions, with sincerity, you can never go wrong. This is the person who has the voice, the sound, and the intentions to touch everybody's heart." Tommy's career has been marked by one triumph after another. Considering his innate charisma and his skills as a supremely talented guitarist, gifted vocalist, and engaging songwriter, it is easy to see why Castro has enjoyed so much success so quickly. In a remarkably short time, he went from performing at a tiny San Francisco saloon to opening for B.B. King in his national tours! Tommy has wowed and won fans on every stage he's performed, with his riveting presence growing stronger by the year. Castro and his electrifying band got another shot of national television exposure when HDNet filmed the group in live performance at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California and broadcast the concert over their high-definition network. Blind Pig released the performance on a DVD entitled Whole Lotta' Soul in 2005. It prominently features material from the highly acclaimed Soul Shaker CD. Tommy Castro is the "B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, and a 2008 Blues Music Award Winner." Castro and his brilliant band have captured a hold of legions of fans and critics alike around the world with their mesmerizing blend of rock, blues and Memphis soul. They continue to explore the boundaries of American roots music. Click here to listen This is a 21+ event. Tickets can be purchased for $18 in advance and $23 at the door the night of the show. Advance tickets can be purchased with cash only at Bookworks, Encore Music, and Birdland, but you can buy tickets with your credit or debit card by calling 1-866-I-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849) or visting www.GetTix.net. Service charge, facility fee, and/or handling fee may apply for advance tickets. Doors will be at 7:30 PM and the show will begin at 8:00 PM.
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