Best Local Politician Not Under Investigation
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Best Movie Filmed or Otherwise Made in New Mexico
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Best New Mexico Book-Because People Do Still Read
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Best Local Non-Profit Making the World a Better Place
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Best Local Non-Profit for Our Fuzzy Friends (Animals, That Is)
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Best Cerrillos Road Business-Stop Honking!
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Best Gallery-Even When It's Not Friday Night
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Best Local Theater Group: Curtain Call!
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Best Museum, Gift Shop and All
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Best Bar (OK, Also Restaurant and Hotel) for Music
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Best Band, Regardless of Genre
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Best Guitarist-Wait, We Hear a Solo Coming On
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Best Female Vocalist-and Not Just on the High Notes
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Best Place to Meet Someone-Romantically and in Person
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Best Place to Get Hitched, Tie the Knot, Take the Vows-All That
US Rep. Tom Udall, D-NM
You're A Star:
In November, Tom Udall will run for his fifth term serving New Mexico's third congressional district, which includes Santa Fe. So far, voters at both the polls and in this contest seem to
think highly of the former state attorney general, who has been a rare voice for progressive politics in Washington, DC, voting against both the USA PATRIOT Act and War in Iraq during his time in office.
Shine On:
These days, Udall is concerned with a variety of issues, including national energy policies. "I'd really like to see us take some big, bold moves in regards to energy," Udall tells SFR. "We haven't been doing that lately, but I'm hopeful in the next year that as things heat up, and after the election, we'll be able to get some support for that." Udall, who regularly receives top marks for his voting record from The League of Conservation Voters, also worked on the Valle Vidal Protection Act as well as the creation of the Ojito Wilderness Area. Finally, Udall continues to express concern about protecting civil liberties. "I believe we can not only participate with other countries in the fight against terrorism, but we can protect our civil liberties and our right to privacy. Our constitutional rights have been under assault and this is something that has disturbed me a lot. I've worked this year to try to put some balance into the equation."
Acceptance Speech:
"I love the Santa Fe Reporter and I'm honored to get this fine award, and I'm flattered that your readers would choose me." (
)
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson
City of Santa Fe Mayor David Coss
The Milagro Beanfield War
You're A Star:
Based on the novel by Taos resident John Nichols (who also co-wrote the screenplay),
The Milagro Beanfield War
is a story of local resistance, the scarcity of water and stickin' it to the man in rural northern New Mexico. This 1988 film was directed by Robert Redford and includes performances by Richard Bradford, Christopher Walken, Chick Vennera and Melanie Griffith. The film features fantastic scenery and glorious natural lighting, compliments of our gorgeous state.
Shine On:
Lisa Strout, director of the New Mexico Film Office, believes that
Milagro
is a natural choice as a favorite because it has a "certain charm," and "personifies quirky New Mexico personality." When watching the film, it's not hard to believe that "magic is afoot," Strout adds.
Acceptance Speech:
In recent years, New Mexico has been up-and-coming in the film industry, with the largest crew base outside of New York or Los Angeles, Strout reports. "The fall looks incredible," she adds, with many exciting projects on the horizon. "We're very fortunate to live in such a beautiful state with such diverse terrain," Strout says. And of course, there's always the "beauty of the light." (
)
City Slickers
Off the Map
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
You're A Star:
Toni Morrison, Truman Capote and New Mexico's own Rudolfo Anaya all appear on First Lady Laura Bush's must-read list. The First Lady's reading initiative program offers suggestions to both adults and children on what books every American should read. Aside from being recognized by the White House, Anaya's novel
Bless Me, Ultima
is also considered a modern classic in Chicano literature. The novel is a spiritual coming-of-age for a young Mexican-American boy named Antonio, who finds guidance from Ultima, a folk healer residing with Antonio's family. In New Mexico, reading Anaya's novel is almost a requirement to graduate high school. If you haven't read this novel, or have been assigned to read it, then you aren't a true Nuevo Mexicano.
Shine On:
For those eager to meet New Mexico's most popular author, Anaya will be in Santa Fe for a book signing at the Spanish Market on Oct. 29 at 11 am. He will be promoting his most recent book,
The Man Who Could Fly
, a collection of short stories that Anaya has written over the past 30 years. Before you meet him in person, make sure and pick up his new novel,
Curse of the Chupacabra
, coming out in September. According to Anaya, his new novel is a mystery that spans across Santa Fe, Mexico and Los Angeles, and explores the consequences of illegal drug use by young people.
Acceptance Speech:
"For my success I thank my readers, bookstores that stock my work, librarians, family, friends, the place and its people. The elders who worked so hard and are now the spirits of the place. Too many people to thank. Thanks also to the rivers, the llano, mountains, trees, the coyote and roadrunner, too much, too much…Keep blessing everything." (
)
The Milagro Beanfield War by John Nichols
TIE: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
and 75 Hikes in New Mexico by Craig Martin
Kitchen Angels
1222 Siler Road
471-7780
You're A Star:
Kitchen Angels is devoted to preparing and delivering delicious, nutritious meals to disabled, disadvantaged, homebound and elderly residents. Tony McCarty, the Angels' executive director, says: "We take care of the folks nobody else does." Four staff members and 227 volunteers work hard each week to ensure that meals are
prepared and delivered hot. "We provide a vital service," McCarty adds. And the food really is good-menus include Spanish turkey meatballs and a scrumptious-looking apricot tart.
Shine On:
In the coming year, Kitchen Angels will be working with a dietician and nutritionist to maximize the healing potential of therapeutic meals, which will optimize and personalize the meals based on each individual's needs. Kitchen Angels strives to use local foods (from Beneficial Farms and the Community Farm) and, especially in the summertime, this means lots of fresh fruits and veggies.
Acceptance Speech:
McCarty believes that the service Kitchen Angels provides will become increasingly important and necessary with the "pending chronic illness epidemic." Smiling, McCarty says: "Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. It is a privilege to be able to work with you." (
)
Warehouse 21
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society
100 Caja del Rio Road
983-4309
You're A Star:
Ten years ago, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter launched a $10.2 million dollar campaign to expand and
relocate the shelter. Last year it did just that, and now the shelter enjoys ample space out in the county. "Our main goals as an organization are to reduce suffering, prevent overpopulation and find homes for all animals," says Bill Hutchinson, communications and marketing manager at the shelter.
Shine On:
Two new buildings are planned for the next few years, an animal hospital and a training and education center, to join the already-existing Adoption Center and Animal Care building. Another improvement over the previous Cerrillos Road site: The new structures boast a bigger dog run and expanded cat play areas and jungle gyms.
Acceptance Speech:
"We've done good work for a really long time, incredibly grueling and heartbreaking work." Hutchinson says. "My gratitude goes to our community. We're able to do every single thing we do here because of their support." (AMD)
The Wildlife Center
Assistance Dogs of the West
TIE: Jackalope and Whole Foods Market
Jackalope
2820 Cerrillos Road
471-8539
You're A Star:
Jackalope proprietor Darby McQuade has been in business since he can remember-as a kid he sold fishing worms, newspapers and cucumbers. Jackalope turns 30 this July, celebrating three decades of selling quality imported and local goods and, of course, providing Santa Fe with the best prairie dog zoo on Planet Earth.
Shine On:
Jackalope is renowned for its relaxed and casual atmosphere. "Fun is a big thing with us," McQuade says. Furniture, the majority of it from India, is the most popular seller, with pottery from China, Vietnam and Mexico coming in at a close second.
Acceptance Speech:
"We have incredibly loyal customers," says McQuade. "We work hard for them to have a good experience. And we have a wonderful staff!"
Whole Foods Market
753 Cerrillos Road
992-1700
You're A Star:
Whether you're after exotic tropical produce, artisan baked breads or fresh fish (usually only two days from the water), Whole Foods has got it. General Manager Tim Lenihan believes Whole Foods' success lies in its careful expertise, preparation of products and passion of the employees in all departments.
Shine On:
"They know their stuff," says Lenihan of Whole Foods' employees. "It's similar to going to several individual shops in Manhattan, where there are experts within shops. They love what they do." A particular standout is the Santa Fe Seeduction bread, a four-grain variety developed by Xubi Wilson in Santa Fe and now sold at Whole Foods nationwide.
Acceptance Speech:
Lenihan offers that Whole Foods is able to recruit and develop employees who are not only devoted to excellent customer service, but are passionate about their jobs. "Thanks!" Lenihan adds. "Love ya!" (AMD)
Mu Du Noodles
El Parasol
Shidoni Galleries
1508 Bishops Lodge Road
988-8001
You're A Star:
It's hard not to be hypnotized by glowing, molten metal, flowing slowly into a mold. The folks up at Shidoni's foundry and gallery have been mesmerizing
art lovers for 35 years with weekly bronze pours and an 8-acre sculpture garden. On a hot summer day, the gardens are filled with admirers, wandering through at an easy pace, spending the day with the fun and the funky. When the weather is colder and snow covers the ground, Shidoni is the perfect place to get away from it all while still being surrounded by the sculpture of artists like Frank Lloyd Wright and Hans Van de Bovenkamp.
Shine On:
This last year, Sarah Faulkner took charge as Shidoni's new gallery director and has spent her time focusing on bringing in smaller pieces in addition to the enormous ones out in the garden so that everyone can take a little piece of Shidoni home.
Acceptance Speech:
"It's thrilling to know that locals are coming up and spending the day at Shidoni," says President Scott Hicks. "We feel that people take something out that's different than what they brought in. If that happens, we've done our job."
SITE Santa Fe
Nedra Matteucci Galleries
The Screen
1600 St. Michael's Drive
473-6494
You're A Star:
Independent film is a crowded field for a town of Santa Fe's size. The Screen takes top honors through a winning combination of creative bookings, high quality projection (featuring the best projection system in northern New Mexico), excellent sound and technical know-how. Older films formatted for unusual apertures and screen sizes are meticulously accommodated. Brent Kliewer, who built the film program at the Center for Contemporary Arts, has a knack for snagging rare films, difficult to get a chance to see even in the art houses of New York or Los Angeles.
Shine On:
The past year at The Screen included a live performance of a one-man show called
Trumbo
, focused on blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, which was presented along with three of Trumbo's films. Another highlight was the Larissa Shepitko and Elem Klimov retrospective, the husband and wife Soviet filmmaking team with legendary status in world cinema circles. In keeping with these kinds of screenings, Jean-Pierre Melville's
Army of Shadows
is in the offing, a 1969 film legend with Lino Ventura and Simon Signoret, never before released in the US.
Acceptance Speech:
On taking top honors, Ed Gonzalez, assistant manager says, "We dig it! We are committed to films of the highest quality shown in the best setting with the best equipment." (
)
The Lensic
Regal DeVargas
Santa Fe Performing Arts
1050 Old Pecos Trail
982-7992
You're a Star:
For more than a decade, Santa Fe Performing Arts has adhered faithfully to its mission: Provide community theater and theater education for adults and children. Unabashedly populist, family-oriented and unpretentious, SFPA wins the hearts of locals with entertaining programming, high-quality theater education for young folks and stewardship of the Armory for the Arts theater itself, one of the few midsize theaters in town.
Shine On:
The past year was a breakthrough for SFPA: Securing a 99-year lease on the Armory, producing Rudolfo Anaya's bilingual
Ay Compadre
with Anaya's involvement, tackling the safari-sized
Cats
with the youth theater group and creating bilingual theater at Nava Elementary School in a community outreach program.
Acceptance Speech:
W Nicholas Sabato, artistic director, says. "We're deeply honored and very happy. It's the local community who votes, and we're proud to do work that impacts the local community." (PB)
Santa Fe Playhouse
Wise Fool New Mexico
Museum of International Folk Art
706 Camino Lejo
476-1200
You're a Star:
We do love us some art here in Santa Fe. While the galleries are filled with contemporary pieces, it's the traditional that really grabs our attention and
keeps us coming back for more. Maybe it's because when we see art from around the world, we're inspired to get out there and make our own using local traditions and textiles.
Shine On:
The Museum of International Folk Art's standout exhibit,
Dream On: Beds from Europe to Asia
, has captured the familiarity of sleeping quarters and turned them into international works of art. See, it's not mom's nagging, it's curators, that make you want to make your bed.
Acceptance Speech:
"Santa Fe is a competitive market, one that's blessed with so many museums," says Museum Director Joyce Ice. "I'm very grateful that our longstanding relationship with Santa Fe, and our dedicated and talented staff, docents and volunteers, have reached out to the community so well." (
)
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Santa Fe Children's Museum
Cowgirl
319 South Guadalupe Street
982-2565
You're A Star:
When it comes to hanging out at this venerable saloon, which has been around for 14 years, music's the thing. What other spot has made such a comfy home for such an eclectic assortment of alt.country, roots and downright hillbilly musicians? Hosting some touring bands, but sticking mainly to local, the Cowgirl this year saw the return of Jono Manson's gravel-voiced contemporary blues, new-girl-on-the-block Zoe and, of course, the Joe West-led Bethleham and Eggs Sunday morning gospel on the patio.
Shine On:
Always the rebel, the 'Girl has started hosting DJ'ed costume parties, helmed by DJ Feathericci, on the first Tuesday of every month. A repeat of last year's highly successful karaoke contest is also in the works.
Acceptance Speech:
"Let me just wipe a tear from my eye," co-owner Nicholas Ballas (the other owner is Barry Secular) jokes when told of the Cowgirl topping the list. "No, truly, in all honesty and humility, it's incredible. We're extraordinarily grateful of the community. It hasn't always been an easy ride, but we love the people we work with and work for, and we work for the community." (
)
TIE: El Farol and Santa Fe Brewing Company
Second Street Brewery
The Lensic
211 West San Francisco Street
988-1234
You're A Star:
It's a darn good thing the Lensic box office number is so easy to remember, because most Santa Feans call it dozens and dozens of times a year. That's because our fancy-yet-inviting performing arts center hosts bands and performers of every stripe, in an atmosphere that captures old-school aesthetics and new-school programming that spans every genre. The Lensic's World Music Series alone brought sleeper hits like the Children of Uganda as well as the ever-popular Latin crooning of Lila Downs. Meantime, local promoters Jamie Lenfesty (FanMan Productions) and Mike Koster (Thirsty Ear) filled out the bill with folks like pop stars Big Head Todd and the Monsters and a stunning, soulful
performance by folk heroine Odetta, respectively.
Shine On:
Much of the Lensic's upcoming year is loaded up with the Chamber Music Festival and more classical leanings, but a stellar contemporary standout is the New Mexico Jazz Festival, several days worth of excellent jazz, including the Winton Marsalis Quintet and other top bands from around the country, plus local talent.
Acceptance Speech:
"Thank you," Lensic General Manager Robert Martin says. "I think part of [the Lensic's first-place finish] is a lot of different people who voted have different interests, different taste, and that's what we appreciate: being seen as a music venue, because a lot of people have only seen us as a classical venue." (JW)
Paolo Soleri
Warehouse 21
The Alex Maryol Band
You're A Star:
The man is like the New York Yankees of Santa Fe-immediately recognizable, a constant favorite and always a winner. It's a combo of looks, talent and a certain blues
je ne sais quoi
that makes Maryol so dang lovable (though we all know it's his graceful, rapid-fire gee-tar that makes him so special). This past year, Maryol and band (a rotating group of musicians) have come out of the woodwork after hanging low for a bit, firing through hot monthly sets at the Santa Fe Brewing Company and WilLee's.
Shine On:
The group's also been working on two recordings (a studio project and a live one), due out sometime in the next year. And, as usual, Maryol continues to export his chops to a number of festivals in the Southwest, most notably the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, where he's become a staple.
Acceptance Speech:
"It feels so good to win best band, because our camaraderie has been really good. I wasn't expecting it, especially being in the same category as Hundred Year Flood, because I really like them," Maryol says. (JW)
Bill Hearne Trio
Nosotros
Alex Maryol
You're A Star:
When are music writers ever going to stop writing about how young Alex Maryol is? Well, when it stops being so stunning that he's so damn good at such an early age. The ghost of Stevie Ray Vaughn and the ghost of
Eric Clapton's once-coolness slither through Maryol's lithe fingers when he plays. Be it lightening-quick soloing or thoughtful acoustic ballads, Maryol's fretwork has been known to bring loud, crowded bars to a standstill. Of course, you already know that, having heard him at his recent solo gigs at Second Street Brewery and the Cowgirl.
Shine On:
Though he's known for his guitar wizardry, Maryol for the past two years has worked intensely on his vocals and started playing piano, which has worked to complement and flesh out his oeuvre. "I've been practicing a lot," he says, "on all of it: voice, guitar and piano." Look for him to keep up his local gigs, he says, though he expects to take a few weeks off at the beginning of fall.
Acceptance Speech:
"Thanks so much. Being listed with so many other great guitar players is an honor." (JW)
Ruben Romero
Bruce Dunlap
Chris Calloway
You're A Star:
This writer once witnessed Chris Calloway strutting down the street, walking a tiny Chihuahua and sporting sunglasses with lenses the size of dinner plates and a full-length fur coat-in the middle of summer. Such is our very own diva of all divas-stylish, sexy and with regal vocal skills. Literally regal: Her father is swing royalty Cab Calloway. Though you can hear bits of her father channeled in her own occasional "Hi-dee-ho's," Chris Calloway's every bit her own sassy, talented
woman. She can blow the roof off an auditorium, or charm your socks off in a hotel lobby.
If you haven't heard Santa Fe's favorite songbird in a while, however, it's because Calloway's been struggling with breast cancer. "I've been doing a few gigs here and there," she says, "but mainly just trying to keep myself together emotionally, mentally and spiritually."
Shine On:
Though our reigning diva has been slowed by her health, she's still got lots on her plate. Her biggest project is planning the events surrounding the upcoming centennial of her father's birth. Events include unveiling of a Cab Calloway star on Hollywood Boulevard and US postage stamp, along with a possible television special.
Acceptance Speech:
"A big thank you, I'm humbled by the honor," Calloway says. "This award comes through as a wave of support. It feels really, really, really good. I'm very touched by it. I've always given my best, and the audiences in Santa Fe have always given their best, and we've come together over the years. And this couldn't come at a better time." (JW)
Zoe
Julie Trujillo
DJ Oona
You're A Star:
Hell, Oona Bender's been spinning since 1982, so who else is gonna put all these young guns to shame? Most of us know her from her 10-year stint manning the one's and two's as the mistress of the Paramount's Trash Disco, but Oona's been around the way, breaking new records into stale scenes for so long now, it's second nature. Her grasp of anthems is exquisite; her disco timing is perfect; but most of all, she knows how to get your butt on the floor and keep it there. Oona's been taking it easy this past year, finishing up her bachelor's degree in psychology, so she's picked and chosen her gigs carefully, mainly heading a monthly women's dance.
Shine On:
As for the upcoming year: "I wish I could plan that far ahead," she says, though one goal is to get into producing records.
Acceptance Speech:
"Thank you for remembering me!" Oona says with a laugh. "I'm really grateful people are thinking of me. It's quite an honor." (JW)
Melanie Moore
King George
Ten Thousand Waves
3451 Hyde Park Road
982-9304
You're A Star:
"It's not just for the people who have lots of money-it's for everyone," says Waves Public Relations Manager Mary Johnson, who has been with the spa for 19 of its 25 years. "You can spend $15 and have a great time." It helps that Ten Thousand Waves is situated on an absolutely pristine piece of mountain property, with views of the moon and stars that are enough to make anyone swoon. "In Japan, they use bathing as socialization, not just as a cleansing," Johnson says. "Once upon a time it was going to the bar for happy hour. Now a lot of people come up after work to soak, to unwind, to regroup." The spacious, labyrinthine layout of the spa provides for a feeling of being utterly alone, despite the fact that anywhere from 300 to 600 people pass through the gates every day.
Shine On:
The atmosphere at Ten Thousand Waves is second to none for romance. Managers and staff are constantly thinking about the spa's appearance, recently having finished renovations on their indoor baths and facial rooms and improvements and additions are constantly in the works. Presently on the blueprint tables are plans for a double pagoda with more massage tables, a restaurant and more tub renovations to include more saunas.
Acceptance Speech:
"We love being in Santa Fe. We love our community…We always try to accommodate our community. We know that some people feel going to the spa is a necessity and some people feel it is a luxury, and we love being there for that as well." Why, thank you! (
)
Whole Foods Market
Borders
Loretto Chapel
207 Old Santa Fe Trail
982-0092
You're A Star:
The Loretto Chapel and accompanying miraculous world-famous staircase are long-time Santa Fe residents, having graced our fair city since they were commissioned by the Sisters of Loretto in 1878. Today, the chapel hosts
approximately 239 weddings a year; the majority are out-of-state couples. Modeled after Paris' Sainte-Chapelle, the Loretto Chapel is the oldest (and most romantic) Gothic structure west of the Mississippi.
Shine On:
Restoration of the historic adobe is a constant project for the staff at Loretto. In 2005, the interior of the chapel was repainted and a leak fixed in one of the dormers. The chapel continues to draw weddings from further and further afield; in 2006, a couple will travel from Afghanistan to wed at Loretto.
Acceptance Speech:
Events Co-ordinator and Director of the Chapel Mark Childers says that the aim of Loretto is to provide brides with the wedding "they've always dreamed of." Childers adds: "I love my job because I am part of the history of this city which I love dearly." (AMD)
Randall Davey Audubon Center
Sunrise Springs
