Out There: A National Parks Story (Thursday 21, Film)

A car loaded with luggage drives toward a mountain peak
(Courtesy KiMo Theater)

National Parks, one of our country’s greatest assets, are under siege by corporations and government officials who can’t see the forest for the dollar signs. So, filmmaker Brendan Hall set off on a 10,000-mile journey to document just what National Parks mean to America. The result is Out There: A National Parks Story. This award-winning, feature-length documentary explores the enduring power of America’s public lands. On Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m., the film screens at KiMo Theater (423 Central Ave. NW) along with a live musical performance by the film’s composer and an insightful Q&A with the director himself. General admission (artsandculture.cabq.gov/14005/14006) is $20.

Broadway Rave (Friday 22, Music/Dance)

A man in a Broadway stage costume stands with his back to the camera.
(Courtesy Revel Entertainment Center)

Would Broadway be better if it was more like a rave? Or would raves be better if they were more like Broadway. I don’t know. I’m just asking the question. But you might find the answer at the upcoming Broadway Rave at Backstage at Revel (4720 Alexander Blvd. NE). Musical theater nerds, drama geeks, actors, actresses, “theatre” lovers and more are invited to a Broadway dance party, where your favorite show tunes get their BPMs pumped to the max. Come dressed as your favorite characters, and feel free to sing along. The lights go up Friday, May 22 starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets (etix.com/ticket/p/89248420/broadway-rave-albuquerque-backstage-at-revel) are $25.50 in advance.

Fast Heart Mart (Saturday 23, Music)

A man in sunglasses holds a guitar
(Courtesy Fast Heart Mart)

Martin Stamper a.k.a. Fast Heart Mart got his musical start all the way back in 1999 working as a street busker while he was a student at UNM. Some 25 years later, he lives out in San Diego, CA. and has refined his unique blend of rock, folk, punk, old-time country, bluegrass, blues, rap and Indian raga. Nowadays, he just calls it “punkgrass music.” Fans who listened to Fast Heart Mart at UNM-area coffee shops and dive bars back in the day will be pleased to hear the sidewalk rocker is passing back through ABQ and headlining a show at Tractor Brewing Nob Hill (118 Tulane Dr. SE) on Saturday, May 23 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Kill Tony Golden Ticket Comedy Tour (Monday 25, Comedy)

A poster with the faces of four comedians
(Courtesy JUNO)

Top national comics and “Golden Ticket” winners from the popular Austin, TX-based Kill Tony podcast stop for a night of jocularity at JUNO brewery + cafe + art (1501 First St. NW) on Monday, May 25 at 7 p.m. Drew Nickens, JJ Alexander, Timely Rain and Collin Sledge are your headlining standups. Tickets are $12.50 in advance (at eventbrite.com/e/killtony-gold-ticket-comedy-tour-tickets-1985168943750).

Sooflay’s Cardboard Corruption – The Movie Release Tour (Tuesday 26, Music/Film)

A man with cardboard hands jumps into the air screaming
(Courtesy Launchpad)

One-man power pop band Sooflay (a.k.a Sam Clay) is hitting the road with a guitar and a movie. Sooflay’s Cardboard Corruption – The Movie Release Tour features Clay’s handmade film that explores themes like love, loss, and the risks of recycling in a wasteful world, featuring hand-crafted cardboard puppetry, live footage and stop-motion animation. That’s topped by live musical performances by Sooflay, Pancake Haus and Margle. Catch the show at Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) on Tuesday, May 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets are a mere $10 at the door.

The Doodles Movie Night (Wednesday 27, Comedy/Film)

A poster for The Doodles Movie Night
(Courtesy The Box)

The Doodles, one of the many talented sketch comedy troupes who call The Box Performance Space (100 Gold Ave. SW) home, is hosting The Doodles Movie Night on Wednesday, May 27 starting at 7 p.m. This special fundraiser event features original video sketches from over the years and several never-before-seen short films. The event is pay-what-you-will and helps get The Doodles show in front of more audience eyeballs. (Feel free to donate at tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/462905.) The troupe is also offering homemade concessions to add to the movie experience (and to drum up a few more bucks). Come out, have a laugh, and support local comedy!


Devin D. O'Leary is an editor with The Paper. and nm.news. He served as film/television editor at Weekly Alibi for 28 years and he has produced four feature films here in New Mexico.

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