via Pixabay

OK, when I first saw David Blaine levitate, I was freaking out! The man is mesmerizing. He brings an energy and sophistication to his magic that Criss Angel never could. (Looking into those eyes even as channeled through a television screen is a spiritual experience.) I imagine that intensity is going to be amplified by a bazillion when David Blaine performs at 8pm on Sunday, July 23, at Kiva Auditorium. Tickets start at $48 for this magical night. (Maggie Grimason)

Courtesy of Outpost Performance Space

Always keen to highlight the exquisite artistry of New Mexico’s own, the annual New Mexico Jazz Festival proudly salutes and features a particularly exceptional local musician every year. This year’s choice, César Bauvallet, could not have been a more adept one. While his prowess as a trombonist, diverse percussionist, composer, arranger, and bandleader might all justify his choice on their own grounds, Bauvallet has enriched the musical culture and community of New Mexico in truly incredible, immeasurable ways through his dedication to education. Add that to his role as the director of the immensely popular salsa band Son Como Son, who rouse crowds to take to the dance floor in droves every time they take the stage, and it is obvious that Bauvallet has contributed immensely to the passion and vitality of the New Mexico musical community. This Sunday, July 23 at The Outpost Performance Space, Bauvallet will lead his Cuban Jazz Project to the stage to perform for the first time. Made up of musicians representing vastly different experiences and influences— Bauvallet and his crew of fellow Outpost jazz instructors will play alongside Bauvallet’s son for his debut performance— the Cuban Jazz Project’s distinctive take on Latin jazz is set to be as exciting as it is inspiring, as fun as it is stunning. (Adam Wood)

Shutterbugs gather up your best pieces and pick some to submit for hanging in the new Bernalillo County headquarters when the gov-peeps move to Alvarado Square, happening now until Monday, August 31. The selected photographs will be printed in a large scale and format. They will be used to create a welcoming environment for county customers, county employees and the general public. Some will be used on the windows of the new Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office suite. The photographs should represent the history and character of Bernalillo County and its people, places, landscapes and unique events in our county. There are some big bucks involved as chosen photographers will receive $1,500, with a limit of one photograph per artist. The chosen photos will become part of the public art program’s permanent collection. There is no fee or age limit required to submit. For more information, visit bernco.gov/community-services/current-call-for-entries.aspx. Ends August 31. (Carolyn Carlson)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art, and culture on the Rio Grande, is happening Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with times waiting to be officially announced. But due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival will be presented virtually! There will still be entertainment, art activities, a virtual artisan market, chile-chef demonstrations, educational workshops and more. This free, all-ages event is meant to give those stuck at home a chance to see what the state has to offer. If you are a high-quality chile-inspired and authentic New Mexican business with an e-commerce website and want to be a vendor, there is still time. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, August 5. For more information email bosquechilefestival@bernco.gov.