Yardfest 2006— For many people, it’s the social event of the year. It’s a chance to slip into your finest pair of overalls, chaw off a good healthy plug o’ tabacky and hang out in some guy’s yard with a bunch of the finest folksy artists in town—and a few guest artists thrown in for good measure.This year’s Yardfest is at Kenny Chavez’ house at 4312 Ridgeley NE. There’ll be a mess of live tunes from local musicians. Leo Neufeld will be doing sketches and drawings on-site. Aunt B will be selling baked goods. Steve White will be doing his infamous PEZ Theater shtick throughout the day. (For reference, see thefolkfarm.com, click on “new work,” scroll to the bottom and click on “Steve White’s PEZ Theater.” Your life will be changed forever.) Finally, best of all, the International Hillbilly Biathlon (seed-spitting and pie-eating) will be held at some random time during the afternoon.Bring the family. Bring the dog. Bring some extra cash so you can make an investment in some of the best down-home art this side of the Rio Grande. For more information, call 232-7707.
Culture Shock
Hightower— Everyone’s favorite Texan populist is riding into town this Saturday, May 6, for a talk and booksigning at Bookworks (4022 Rio Grande NW). Presumably, Jim Hightower is in Albuquerque to brew up some righteous indignation over the looming 2006 elections. The former Texas Agriculture Commissioner is the author of such rabble-rousing classics as Thieves in High Places and Let’s Stop Beating Around the Bush . I’m sure he’ll have plenty of interesting things to say about recent political events. Hightower will be at Bookworks at 3 p.m. Mosey on down and say hello. 344-8139.
