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FRESHEN UP
The music scene in Santa Fe is weird. I've never seen so many good bands compiled together in such a small place. The weird thing is, most of them are sitting at home on their cans. I moved here about six months ago and the thing that I've noticed is that all the bars are full of the same bands week after week…four hours at a time. Nosotros, Alex Maryol, Ken Valdez, Zoe, Stardust Cowboys, Tony C'de Baca…they're all good bands, don't get me wrong; it's just a bit over-saturated. Where I'm from you go to a bar and see a handful of bands play one set at a time in a showcase format and it's great. Everyone enjoys everybody else's following and the whole scene rocks. I knew there was a rock scene brewing somewhere in the underground here and I finally found it. Last month I was browsing through your calendar and I came across a rock showcase at Alegria featuring four bands: Sol Fire, The Cherry Tempo, Feels Like Sunday and Kiss The Villain, I went and found exactly what I was looking for. The night was great, all of the bands were awesome and the club was perfect. I talked to the manager that night and found out that they do the show once a month, so when it came up again this month I went. Same deal, great show anchored by Kiss the Villain and Sol Fire. This is really the only show of its kind here in Santa Fe and it's brilliant. All the band's followings feed off of each other, it makes for a great time and the scene grows as everyone's fans rub off onto everyone else's. Outside of this show the scene isn't very fresh and it's not getting any fresher.
Marcus Martinez
Santa Fe
HAIR-Y ENDEAVORS
What is it about Santa Fe hair stylists going out of their comfort zones to save animals this summer? First it was Christopher Willett and Hattie the Pig [Outtakes, June 28:
], and now it's Michele Rokke and the abandoned animals of Lebanon [Outtakes, Aug. 16:
].
Those of us who know her recognize Michele as a fearless, totally committed animal advocate. She has gone bravely where others fear to tread in order to save an animal, and she's done it again, working with PETA to help the forgotten animals that, to its shame, the US government forced Americans to leave behind, as well as those abandoned by Lebanese fleeing for their lives in an unconscionable war. Bravo, Michele. And Christopher too.
Ardeth Baxter
Santa Fe
PRIORITIES?
Just imagine:
An Iranian newspaper publishing an article similar to your
Yes, while Iranians are providing Hezbollah with arms, tactics and the invincible willpower to join God (so long, farewell), other-few, yes very few-"good" Iranians are actually rescuing cats and dogs!
I already feel better.
Don't you?
Sixteen-hundred Lebanese are dead; God knows how many are wounded; there are no roads, no hospitals…it is a disaster but, yay, Fifis and LouLous are safe!
We are so proud of these good Americans rescuing dogs and cats.
We just cannot figure out why we are so not liked over there…?
Yasmine Amir-Moez
Santa Fe
TREES AND BUSH
The forests around Black Canyon have been targeted for annihilation by the Forest Service. They want to cut and burn 1,825 acres of lovely woodlands. Presently, 1,200 trees are standing per acre. After the Forest Service gets done there will be only 40 to 60 trees per acre-a loss of 95 percent! Incinerating 1,000 acres will spew the global warming gas carbon dioxide and a mix of other gases into our faces. Part of the infamous Healthy Forests Initiative of the Bush administration, this action will rob us of the oxygen which 2 million trees send our way daily.
The habitat is home to numerous species of wildlife. Birds are nesting in the standing dead tree (snags). Although adjacent to a zone of homes, the fear of a catastrophic fire should not be the motivation for destroying this beautiful forest-which many of these homeowners love dearly, having chosen to live nearby amongst its trees.
To sign onto a letter detailing alternatives for the forest, call Sam Hitt at 438-1057, or write to Sanford Hurlocker, acting district ranger, PO box 3307, Española, NM 87533.
Seely Solomon
Santa Fe
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