TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK
The 2019 honorary chair of the International Folk Art Market, Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, will be making appearances throughout Santa Fe leading up to the market’s kickoff on Friday.
Mandela, who was raised by the late, world-famous activist who went on to become South Africa’s first black president, has also made a name for himself as an author and organizational leader. He’s the co-founder and chairman of Africa Rising Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering socioeconomic opportunities for young Africans. He previously served as the joint president of United World College, which has a campus in Montezuma, New Mexico, and is a former director of the United Nations’ AIDS nonprofit.
Mandela’s trip begins with a welcome reception from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday that is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Center For Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail. Mandela will be there along with Teddy Warria, a Kenyan entrepreneur whose business ventures are meant to create opportunities for Africa’s next generation.
On Thursday, Mandela will
march in IFAM’s artist procession in downtown Santa Fe before he gives the keynote speech that same evening at its sold-out One World Awards Dinner. The procession and a subsequent free concert on the Plaza run from 5:30-8:45 p.m.
During his stay, Mandela is also expected to visit with Mandela International Magnet School students, something he also did during a visit in February.
For more information about the International Folk Art Market event schedule, visit folkartmarket.com.
PSYCHEDELIC COVERS:
Calling all Deadheads: Santa Fe’s Grateful Dead tribute band, Detroit Lightning, is bring its psychedelic rock to the Southside. Guitarist Ben Wright, drummer Paul Groetzinger, bass player Josh Martin and keyboard player Kevin Zoernig regularly play the Dead’s music in venues across New Mexico, and this Saturday, the group will be performing at SWAN Park as part of the Santa Fe Bandstand series. Detroit Lightning describes itself as producing a “new telling” of the Dead’s catalogue with vocal harmonies, improv sections and other personal touches. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. at the park off Jaguar Drive at N.M. 599. It is free and open to the public.
TRAGIC LOVE:
A story of love in a world of hate, New Mexico Actors Lab’s production of “Stop Kiss” opens this week at Teatro Paraguas. Diana Son’s 1998 offBroadway play moves between the present and flashbacks following the story of two women, Sara and Callie. The pair unexpectedly fall for each other, but are attacked by a bystander who sees their first kiss in a New York City park. After one of them goes into a coma, their own relationship and their relationships with others are explored. “Stop Kiss” stars Tallis Rose, Joey Beth Gilbert, Hania Stocker, Vaughn Irving and Anne Roylance. Shows start Thursday and run ThursdaysSundays until July 28. Performances Thursdays-Saturdays start at 7:30 p.m., with Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. Purchase online at brownpapertickets.com or call 505424-1601 to reserve seats.