Summer songs from a century ago Tales of Tila brings stories of Taos to the stage

died in 1971, but when Carolyn Chatwin Murset talks about her grandmother today, the memories are still vivid. Like she’s sitting beside Domitila Trujillo, whom everyone called Tila.

“She was a strong woman,” Chatwin Murset says. “I think I got my love of kids and cake decorating from her — and my sense of humor.”

Perhaps that’s why she wrote a onewoman musical about her grandmother’s life in Taos. Through Tila’s eyes, Chatwin Murset broaches some of this country’s great glories and tragedies: the two wars to end all wars, the influenza pandemic, the Great Depression, and the Manhattan Project. Chatwin Murset may be telling the story of the everyday life of a Hispanic family but, ultimately, also the story of America. She performs the piece on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9, at Teatro Paraguas in Santa Fe.

Born in California, Chatwin Murset spent her summers with her grandparents in Taos. In 1965, her family moved in with them for a short time when she was just a girl. “My dad converted her chicken coop into his plumbing and heating business office,” Chatwin Murset says, laughing. “My

I

Oil on canvas 20 by 16 inches $50,000 - $90,000

Oil on linen, unframed | 72 by 112 inches | $35,000 - $55,000

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Miguel Zenón is known for his masterful blending of fusion jazz with Latin American folkloric music, including the and styles of Puerto Rico, where he was born and raised. Across his 10 albums as a bandleader, Zenón has defined himself as a traditionalist and innovator who is as invested in evolving and refining a contemporary sound as he is in paying homage to legendary Puerto Rican composers. The Miguel Zenón Quartet plays at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at GiG Performance Space (1808 Second St.). Tickets are $28; gigsantafe. tickit.ca. — Jennifer Levin