Like salmon swimming upstream to spawn, skateboarders leave the concrete grind of Albuquerque each spring for the cool, mountain town of Jemez. On Saturday, April 25, the succinctly titled Jemez Springs Skateboard Competition Extravaganza returns to Jemez’ municipal skate park.The annual pilgrimage is hosted by Albuquerque’s Silver Board Shop (120 Yale SE, between Central and Silver). This year, five bands are scheduled to play alongside the open-air ramps: Treee, Sweet Miscreants, Sam Irons and the Blank Stares, A Man About a Horse, and Sabertooth Cavity. If you’re broke and under 18, come anyway. The Extravaganza is free and all-ages, and owning a skateboard isn’t required, either. Just get there between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.Afterwards, the Silver Board posse is camping, and you’re invited to that, too. Provided you can."If you wanna camp, I’m not your mamma, so if you need your mamma, bring her," Silver Board proprietress Nicole says. "You need to be able to survive the night."She advocates packing food and camping gear. She also says to bring your instruments for a campfire jam. Direct your Jemez Springs Skateboard Competition Extravaganza questions to myspace.com/silverboardshop, or stop by or call the Silver Board Shop (open noon-ish to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday) at 265-4912.
Music To Your Ears Wh508 Djs
The Slip ’n’ Scratch Battle for Survival challenges young scratchers and beat jugglers to match tempos and wits. Everyone’s welcome to watch at Wells Park Community Center (Fifth Street and Mountain NW) on Sunday, April 26, from noon to 6 p.m. But Warehouse 508 and StandUp for Kids are making it worth your while to compete: They’re awarding the battle’s winner a purse worth $500 in cash and prizes. Sign up for a slot in the competition by e-mailing justin@warehouse508.org.And in related Warehouse 508 news, the next Countdown to 508 planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 6 p.m. The topic is Visual and Performing Arts Programs, which seeks the input of young creative types who would use the space. Meetings are held at the venue (officially opening its doors this summer) at 508 First Street NW. Befriend the Warehouse at myspace.com/warehouse508.
Music To Your Ears Farewell To Fast Heart Mart
Sad but true. Due to a family emergency, Fast Heart Mart (aka Martin Stamper) is pulling the plug on his acoustic performances in Albuquerque—maybe forever. But you can catch the Best Singer-Songwriter in this Year’s Best of Burque Poll one last time on Friday, April 24. He’ll leave Albuquerque the way he came in: playing on the street. Bring your well wishes and merch money to the corner of Central and Fourth Street from 6 to 7 p.m. Good luck to you, Martin. Music in this town won’t be as cheap and sunny without you.
