When my trusty Twitter feed alerted me to a collaborative musical effort between Christina Aguilera and M.I.A., I tried, really tried, not to click the link. But I did, and I found a nice danceable song I’ll probably hear in a club sometime soon but will forget about in six months. “Elastic Love,” from Aguilera’s new album, did get me in the mood for teamwork and shared experience, though. (Bonus: As far as I know, unlike in M.I.A.’s “Born Free” video, no gingers were harmed in the making of those beats.)
Culture Shock: Strange Days Strange Days
Woo-hoo! It’s a Midsummer Bizarre Bazaar . Sure, it’s not technically even the beginning of summer yet ( solstice, which marks the start of the season, takes place on June 21), but whatever. Semantics aside, this warm weather extravaganza of art and noise is sure to please. More than 25 artists are on hand at The Kosmos (1715 Fifth Street NW), to hock their goods, there’s an interactive sculpture installation and wannabes can gain some skills with sewing, crafting and fashion classes. The three-day fest (which begins at noon Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday) also features a ton of musical acts. Scope out www.thekosmos.org for a complete list of participating rapscallion rabble-rousers.
Culture Shock: Are We There Yet? Are We There Yet?
There is no way I’m walking the entire length of Albuquerque just to see public art. Seriously, this place is just too large. You don’t have to, either, and I don’t just mean ’cause the Bentley is in the shop. ABQ Trolley Co. will schlep your lazy butt around town at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, for its first Urban Art Trawl. In addition to the sweet ride, Becky Holtzman, who works for the city’s Public Art Program, will share her knowledge of all things arty. Tickets are a mere $15. Gather up a group and set out for adventure on the streets of ABQ. abqtrolley.com/index.php/UrbanArtTrawl has more info.
Culture Shock: Go Outside Go Outside
OK, neither of these next two things really has anything to with art, but they’re cool and maybe inspiring, so just deal with it. Please? First up, Thursday, June 3, through Sunday, June 6, is the New Mexico Bicycle Rally. There are rides, films, speakers, etc. Registration for the weekend is $185 (sounds expensive, but think how much you saved on gas by not driving last summer) and more info is available at nmbikerally.com. Too pricey? No problem. Grab your pole and get to Tingley Beach. Saturday, June 5, is National Fishing Day, which means you don’t need a license to catch dinner. Tingley Beach has a fishing clinic for kids from 8 to 11:30 a.m., and cabq.gov/biopark has all the info. Oh, and if you already know how to snag a snapper, you can cast your line anywhere without updating that paperwork.
