Now that we’re in November, we can probably acknowledge that New Mexico is quickly working its way into winter. Thanksgiving is almost here, and Christmas is right around the corner, so it’s just about time to welcome craft fairs and other seasonal events to our weekly roster of things to do. This week offers up a wide variety of local arts to sample – from the contemporary flamenco dance of The Spanish Room NOW to the musical sounds of the 13th Annual John Donald Robb Jr. Memorial Concert, bringing traditional New Mexico folk music to the forefront. There’s also a bit of early Christmas shopping to be found at the first annual Sage & Ink Book Festival, spotlighting local New Mexico authors, and the 15th Annual Scandinavian Festival, with northern European food, art, crafts and music for all. So get out now, while the weather is still in a tolerable fall mood.
The Spanish Room NOW (Nov. 7, Dance)
The National Institute of Flamenco presents Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company in The Spanish Room NOW, a bold reimagining of one of the company’s defining productions. Originally performed in 2009, the dance performance has been rebuilt into an immersive evening of flamenco where movement, music, light and scenery transform the stage into a kaleidoscope of ever-changing rooms. Each space reveals its own atmosphere and emotional landscape. Performances take place Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth St. SW). Tickets run $29 to $109 and can be purchased at nifnm.org/yjastros-fall#yr-tickets.
Sage & Ink Book Festival (Nov. 7 Literary Arts)
The inaugural Sage & Ink Book Festival takes over The Block (7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE) in Rio Rancho on Saturday, November 7, from 12 to 4 p.m. This new literary Festival celebrates New Mexico authors, poets, spoken word artists and small presses. More than 50 authors, covering genres from sci-fi to romance to poetry to mystery, will be on hand for book signings, panel discussions and more. It’s also the perfect place to start your holiday shopping. The event is free and open to the public. For a complete list of participants and events, go to wholehealthygroup.com/sageandinkfestival/.
The 13th Annual John Donald Robb Jr. Memorial Concert (Nov. 7 Music)
The 13th Annual John Donald Robb, Jr. Memorial Concert titled “¡Música del Corazón! Viajes del Violín” takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the South Broadway Cultural Center (1025 Broadway Blvd. SE). Following last year’s focus on the accordion, UNM Robb Trust’s continues the celebration of instruments that carry the histories, emotions and expressive life of this region. This year’s theme “explores the journeys of the violin into and through New Mexico, tracking its presence across rural, urban, formal and vernacular traditions.” There will be a lecture, dance lesson and concert. Admission is free.
15th Annual Scandinavian Festival (Nov. 7, Festival)
The Rosemalers of New Mexico, a club formed in 1985 to promote the Norwegian folk art of rosemaling (decorative flower painting), hosts its 15th annual Scandinavian Festival at St. John’s United Methodist Church (2626 Arizona St. NE) this Saturday, Nov. 7 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event promises to feature Scandinavian food, baked goods, folk art, collectibles, live entertainment and more. Scott and Johanna Darsee and Kathy Linden are among this year’s musical performers. Admission and parking are free, and it’s the perfect introduction to the Christmas season.