Being homeless is no fun, but Josh Jones of Black Market Goods wants to help. For the fourth year running, the gallery owner is holding a benefit for those in need. Wasted Youth, held at 1816 Haines NW, will gather artists, musicians and dancers together at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. The theme of the show is nostalgia pieces reflecting video games, comics and toys from the artists’ formative years. The show will feature art from a variety of mediums. Five bands are set to perform, along with a DJ, body painters and a burlesque troupe. There is a $3 donation at the door that can be substituted for clothing, toys and food, which will be donated to Toys for Tots, Roadrunner Food Bank and other charities. Jones says he has been "kind of homeless" before, so he wants to help others out. "It sucks to be out there in the cold," he says. Yes, it does.
Culture Shock: The Future Is Nigh The Future Is Nigh
Literature has gone digital. You can get your newspaper online, including the Alibi (alibi.com). Buy a Kindle or other electronic reading apparatus, and books are available at the touch of a button. Figment.com, which launched on Monday, Dec. 6, offers young writers a chance to get their work seen and to read other people’s writing. The site, originally conceived as an alternative to Facebook, has morphed into a forum for reading and writing online—including on cell phones. Users can publish novels, poetry, whatever. Get writing. And reading.
Culture Shock: In All Fairness ... In All Fairness ...
A few weeks ago I mentioned The Cell Theatre is putting on a production of The Santaland Diaries . But there are two local theater companies doing David Sedaris’ tale of Crumpet the Elf, a job at Sedaris held at Macy’s before becoming a famous writer. The other production is at the Desert Rose Playhouse (6921 Montgomery NE). It’s a Sedaris double feature and Season’s Greetings will also be performed. It runs through Sunday, Dec. 19 (as does the show at The Cell). Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $12. Make reservations at 881-0503 or e-mail desertroseabq@yahoo.com. Let the best theater company win.
Culture Shock: In The End There Can Be Only One In The End There Can Be Only One
The battle to see who the best female slam poet in Albuquerque is happens Friday, Dec. 17, at Winning Coffee Co. (111 Harvard SE). Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m., with poetry at 7 p.m. Only 15 women will be allowed to participate; poems must be three minutes or less per round; and no props, costumes or music are permitted. The winner will get a chance to represent Albuquerque at the Women of the World Poetry Slam next year. Tickets are $5 at the door.
