Rock-a-bye Baby— Africa has had it rough for a long time. Unfortunately, children have borne the brunt of a crisis wrought by war, famine, poverty and AIDS. The U.N. estimates there are more than 48 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa alone.The Cradle Project is designed to highlight this humanitarian disaster. In September 2007, the project will create a massive art installation at Factory on 5 th (1715 Fifth Street NW) consisting of 1,000 cradles and cribs constructed by artisans around the world.It’s kicking off this Friday, Jan. 26, with an auction and party at the Factory. The reception is designed to help raise funds for this ambitious project. Do your part by bringing a checkbook or a wallet full of disposable cash. The party takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. To learn more, go to www.thecradleproject.org or call 699-4613.
Culture Shock
Green Reading —The folks over at 516 Arts are closing out their inaugural exhibit, Green , with a poetry reading presented in collaboration with UNM’s graduate creative writing program. Author and activist Demetria Martinez ( Confessions of a Berlitz-Tape Chicana ) is the biggest name on the roster. She’ll be joined by UNM writing professor Lisa D. Chávez and recent UNM grad Israel Wasserstein. The reading starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26. For details, call 242-1445 or got to www.516arts.org.
Culture Shock
Dance, Fool— Can you ever have too much Hungarian folk dancing? I don’t think so. You’ll might come close to getting your fill by attending a concert this Monday evening presented by the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble. The group, which has been around since the early ’50s, seeks to preserve the traditional dances and costumes of the Hungarian people. The choreography staged on Monday, Jan. 29, at UNM’s Popejoy Hall is all based on authentic dances, many of which date back several hundred years. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. with tickets ranging from $20 to $34. 925-5858, unmtickets.org.
