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in game of musical chairs, finally lands at Armijo Park Admission cut in half to $2 By Jim Brannon A lot of misinformation is out about the Geronimo Days Peace Gathering this year. First of all, Geronimo Days did not move its date to coincide with the Sierra County Fair. Geronimo Days has been held on the second weekend of October since it started 14 years ago. Instead, the Fair Board moved the date of the County Fair this year to coincide with Geronimo Days the weekend of Oct. 12 and 13. Nonetheless, we hope it will be a positive thing to have both events the same weekend and give everyone lots of entertainment options. Secondly, the location for Geronimo Days this year has been moved once again. Due to technical problems with the previously announced site just west of and adjacent to the fairgrounds, as well as with Ralph Edwards Park where the event was first held, officials finally determined to hold this year’s event in the Louis Armijo Family Park across the street from the fairgrounds on South Broadway. The close proximity should make it easy for everyone to attend both Geronimo Days and the County Fair. Also, the admission price for this year will be a $2 donation each day rather than $4 as was erroneously reported (elsewhere). A full slate of outstanding entertainment is planned this year, with a heavy emphasis on Native American entertainment, including special dances, drum groups and ceremonies. The Native Americans will open and close Geronimo Days at Armijo Park with special ceremonies, including presentations to Harlyn and Joseph Geronimo. The traditional Saturday evening campfire show also will be featured this year. Because of the location this year, Geronimo Days will have to do without its Frontier Town and Saloon. Nevertheless, gunfighters and desperados will be running around and trouble is bound to break out. Also, there will be NOT be an opening parade in downtown this year. The event, however, will start off with the popular cowboy breakfast hosted by the Elks Lodge 2750. The menu will consist of biscuits and sausage and gravy, red and green chile, beans, orange juice and cowboy coffee for a $3 donation. The breakfast will be held in the new Windmill Plaza between Geronimo Springs Museum and the Geronimo Trails Interpretive Center on Main Street in downtown T or C. Everyone is invited to have breakfast and tour the new facilities and the museum. Entertainment this year will include performances by some of the regulars such as Knifewing, Cliff Andree, Sons of the Rio Grande, Sid Hausman and many more, plus several newcomers including Cheryl Clapton, Bud Morris and Daragh Vaughn, along with a repeat performance by Mari and Nelson Martinez’s farewell performance on Sunday.] For more information on Geronimo Days, call 894-2181. <<< >>>
Nelson Martinez to give farewell performance at 2002 Geronimo Days
DJ
File Photo by David Pierre Show is Sunday, Oct. 13, at Armijo Park One of the popular Mariachi songs that Nelson Martinez sings every year at Geronimo Days is “Volver.” And that’s exactly what New Mexico’s native son, the “Singing Anchor,” will be doing. Nelson Martinez, who claims Truth or Consequences as one of his favorite places to visit, will return again on Sunday, Oct. 13, for a 2 p.m. show in Louis Armijo Park on South Broadway. After so many years, Geronimo Days just won’t be the same without Nelson Martinez – a feeling he and his many fans share mutually. Sadly for all his many fans in T or C, this year will be his farewell performance as he leaves to answer the call of the bright lights of Hollywood. As usual, Nelson will be available for autographs and photographs after his performance, and this year, goodbyes. He will have his many cassette tapes and CDs available for sale and this year he will be giving away some CDs from his “United We Stand” concert. This year, Nelson will perform with the mariachi group, Los Gallos.” They currently play at Garduno’s Restaurant in Santa Fe and they are popular all over northern New Mexico. Nine members are in the group, including two women, with a full ensemble of instruments and lots of brass. Although several of the members are university students, they are all veterans with their musical talent. For more information on Nelson or Geronimo Days, call 894-2181, and be sure to be there on Sunday as he sings “Adios Amigos.” <<< >>>
Irish singer Daragh Vaughn to debut at his first Geronimo Days peformance
DJ File Photo by BIll Johnson Many of the cowboys of the old west were of Scotch and Irish descent and much of the music of the old west stemmed from Irish folks songs. This year Daragh Vaughn brings that Irish tradition to Geronimo Days the weekend of Oct. 12 and 13. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Daragh grew up in California where he trained in classical music. Quite accomplished on the French horn, he won numerous awards in music, including a full music scholarship. Since school Daragh has performed in everything from symphony orchestras to rock ‘n’ roll, to country and western and back again. One of his real loves and true talent is in the Irish music field.He has studied music under the tutorship of Dennis Coughlin, a respected blind mandolin player recognized on both sides of the Atlantic. Daragh also is quite a prolific songwriter and has numerous original songs to his credit. He looks forward to his first Geronimo Days appearance at the 14th annual event Oct. 12-13. For more information on Geronimo Days, call 894-2181. <<< >>> Red Ryder returns to Geronimo Days
A Wild West Hero Dave Saunders, known to millions as the cowboy actor Red Ryder, will appear at Geronimo Days Oct. 12-13. Remembered as a peacemaker of the popular “romantic west,” Red Ryder rode the range and strolled through town, resolving problems with his wise advice and suggestions with his young Native American companion, Little Beaver, by his side. The bad guys of course weren’t always ready to listen to reason and Red Ryder was sometimes forced to use his guns. But he only used them when provoked and usually shot the gun out of the bad guy’s hand, keeping the Wild West safe for decent folks. After his stint as a cowboy hero, Saunders retired to the quiet life of a rancher in New Mexico. When the Geronimo Days committee discovered they had a famous neighbor nearby, they coaxed Saunders out of retirement for the event. In his distinctive red satin cowboy shirt and double-R chaps, he met many fans and made many more new ones. Saunders told cowboy stories and recited cowboy poetry to his new audiences’ delight. This year, Geronimo Days will raffle off a new Daisy “Red Ryder” bee-bee gun. Tickets of chance at $1 each may be purchased in advance at Geronimo Springs Museum or during the celebration. Besides the bee-bee gun, which will be personally autographed by Red Ryder, the winner will receive an autographed picture of Red Ryder and have his or her picture taken with the “comic book” hero. <<< >>> Cliff Andree & The Saddle Pards Live The Legend Of The Old West
Cliff Andree & the Saddle Pards will once again headline at the Geronimo Days celebration Oct. 12-13 in T or C. From El Paso, TX, the group has become a perennial favorite at the annual peace gathering. The group brings many years of musical experience to the stage and maintain the musical tradition of cowboy days gone by, bringing back memories of yesteryear and passing down the traditional sounds of the music of the old west to new generations. Cliff Andree, the group’s leader, is a modern day embodiment of the singing cowboy of the silver screen. Down to earth and charming, Andree’s baritone voice imparts his knowledge and deep love of the old west to all who see his shows. Cliff attended his first chuckwagon show in 1958 in Colorado. There, he also saw for the first time, a performance by Sy Scarborough, founder of the Chuckwagon Association. Scarborough became a big influence on Cliff’s musical style as were the two top cowboys, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. In his earlier years, Cliff learned bullfighting and was a matador in Mexico for five years. He also cowboyed on ranches, became fluent in Spanish and developed a deep love for the Mexican culture and its music. He has played at the Miss Teen USA and Miss USA contests, and last year he performed for the Pro Rodeo Association at El Paso Coliseum. He performs in the annual “Ol’ Tyme Cowboy Christmas” show in El Paso and has been a regular at Geronimo Days for 11 years. He recently recorded an original song for the Geronimo Trails Scenic By-Ways program in Sierra County. Besides being the lead vocals for the band, Cliff also plays guitar, harmonica, tenor banjo, mandolin and Indian flute. Julia Andree, Cliff’s daughter, literally grew up at Geronimo Days. She began coming to the festival with her parents when she was knee-high to a grasshopper and joined the group five years ago when she began playing the fiddle. Now the pretty 18-year-old Julia is becoming an accomplished fiddler. When not performing, Julia studies ballet and is a cheerleader in her school pep squad. Besides the fiddle, she also plays guitar and mandolin. The group’s musical renditions of traditional and original songs bring the audience back to western skies, purple sunsets and happy trails. <<< >>>
Knifewing returns to Geronimo Days
Native American singer, songwriter, poet and jeweler Knifewing will perform with his band at the 2002 Geronimo Days Peace Gathering Oct. 12-13 in Truth or Consequences. Since his first appearance in 1991 at Geronimo Days, Knifewing and his band have been busy reaching musical heights. They have performed at Farm Aid, The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., TNN and the New Mexico State Fair. He also traveled to Russia to co-star in the movie, “Jonathan of the Bears.” Terry Jennings became Knifewing’s manager after Terry’s father, Waylon Jennings, invited Knifewing to sing with him at the Farm Aid Concert in 1992. Knifewing and the band have been the opening performers for The Highwaymen, a group founded by Jennings that includes Johnny Cash, Kris Christoferson and Willie Nelson. Knifewing’s music is definitely Native American in spirit. His haunting songs speak to the cultural heritage of the Native Americans, the spiritual aspects of the natural world, the respect due all men and the value of the earth in a way that all people respond to. “All people have more in common than they do differences. That is the message that I want to send,” Knifewing says. “Through my music I hope to enlighten other cultures about the rich heritage of the proud Native American.” The members of the group are all Native Americans. Knifewing is Chiricahua Apache. Beverly Newman is Navajo. Ray Tsethlihai, Roland Natachu and Aardale are Zuni. The group is based in Zuni. <<<
>>> Sons of the Rio Grande return to Geronimo Days
The Sons of the Rio Grande will return to Truth or Consequences to perform for the 14th annual Geronimo Days Oct. 12-13. The band was formed in March 1996 from members of two western quintets in the Rio Grande Valley of central New Mexico. Larry and Walen had worked together in the Keen Ridge Riders and Rob was playing fiddle for the Rockin’ W Wranglers. They shared a desire to build on their collective experiences while establishing a leaner, more vocal oriented sound than the two larger bands afforded. The result is a stirring combination of strong trio harmony and acoustic work which evokes the original Sons of the Pioneers and also builds on the excellent tradition with material spanning a century of western music, including several of the group’s original compositions. Rob Croft is the spark and brilliance of the group, providing the firepower in his fiddle and strong tenor voice to thrill any audience. His song, “Spirit and the Beauty of the West,” serves as the signature piece for the Sons of the Rio Grande. Walen Mickey is the band’s impulse and designated nitpicker, serving as director, arranger, producer and engineer. He is the author of several of the band’s original works and has collaborated with both Rob and Larry in songwriting. Larry Ruebush is the backbone of the group, providing the steady hand and clear-eyed judgment his younger cohorts sometimes lack. A lifelong New Mexican, his love for his native land is evident in his ballad, “The Steward.” Larry serves as the band’s manager. The popular northern New Mexico group will return to Geronimo Days by popular demand as they will light up the stage with their music that truly evokes the spirit of the west. <<< >>> Apache singer Yolanda Martinez to perform again at Geronimo Days
Yolanda Martinez, an Apache artist, singer, composer and master drum maker born in southern New Mexico, will appear her fourth year at the Geronimo Days Peace Gathering Oct. 12-13 in T or C. She was third of 11 children and grew up in the desert, the closest neighbor being seven miles away. She thus grew up entertained by the natural sounds and heartbeat of Mother Earth’s songs. She spent most of her time around animals connecting and singing with them and to them. This connection and the wonderful simplicity are the strength of her powerful music. Yolanda’s family moved to California when she was 15. She sang in a choir and performed with various groups at school functions, private parties and other venues. In spite of the variety and changes in her music she never lost the connection with her roots. She teaches people to reconnect with their energy, nature and Mother Earth, and how to express themselves through music, drums, rattles, whistles and bells. She feels that music is a powerful tool that is universal. Since discovering her musical path, Martinez has produced four major cassette and CD recordings. Her latest release and fifth CD, “Lonely Warrior,” is in honor of the Apache people, veterans, Native American warriors, male and female, past and present. One song, “Apache Tears,” tells of the plight of Geronimo and his band of faithful warriors. She was nominated for Best Folk/Country Artist by the Native American Music Awards in 2000 for “Lonely Warriors,” which is getting air play in Europe. Yolanda is working on recording an all Latin CD and a new drumming and chanting CD. She hopes to release both CDs this year. She is also a master drum maker. She has been making hand drums and ceremonial powwow drums since 1987. Her drums are known from coast to coast, as well as internationally. She also works with watercolors, oils and acrylics. She will perform at Geronimo Days both days, Oct. 12 and 13. <<< >>> Cactus Chris to recite cowboy poetry in T or C “Cactus Chris” Buethe is a cowboy poet and an “artistic geezer” from Las Cruces who’ll be reciting his works at the 14th annual Geronimo Days Peace Gathering Oct. 12-13 in T or C. He grew up on a Nebraska farm and worked briefly on a Colorado dude ranch. Cactus Chris will make his fifth appearance to the annual festival. No stranger to T or C, he has twice performed at the Fiesta Celebrity Dinners. Dr. Buethe was a teacher for 39 years and is professor emeritus at Indiana State University and a former Fulbright grantee to Tangier. Chris and wife Dee taught at New Mexico State University from 1967 to ’72 and returned to Las Cruces in retirement in 1994. Chris started his non-profitable cowboy poetry career after meeting Baxter Black. To date, he has written 90 predominantly humorous poems and had 25 poems published in magazines or anthologies. He also has 31 poems in his book, “Wanna Be A Cowboy,” 21 on his new tape, “Cactus on the Road.” His second book, “Wanna Be a Cowboy, Too” will be completed this fall. Cactus Chris entertains usually at conventions, parties, dinners, health center, poetry gatherings, schools and Elderhostels. He serves on planning boards for the Old West Festival in El Paso and Cowboy Days at the NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces. He has recited his original poetry in seven states and Australia, and is looking for rhymes to “buckaroo.” His poems appeared in recent issues of American Cowboy and Worth magazines. One of his poems will soon be on buses in four New Mexico cities as part of the NM Arts project. “I’m really looking forward to comin’ back for Geronimo Days this year,” Cactus Chris said. <<< >>>
Native American flute player to perform at Geronimo Days
Johnny Castillo, a Native American flute player, will perform at the 14th annual Geronimo Days Peace Gathering this weekend, Oct. 12 and 13. Tan-Ta-Kee-Ta (his native name) means Little Buffalo. The Apache and Yaqui Indian was born in Tucson, AZ, under Sacred or Black Mountain, also known as Sentinel Peak or “A” Mountain. This mountain was sacred to the Tohohono O’Odham people. Johnny took an interest in the flute at a very young age and learned how to play with the help of friends. Today he stays busy making flutes and performing his music, which he calls Native American spiritual music. He has performed in concert with international acclaimed Native American flute player Carlos Nakai. Castillo is a regular performer at Pima College concerts and at Native American gatherings throughout Arizona and the Southwest. <<< >>>
Desperados to perform at Geronimo Days
The Desperados Club will return to Geronimo Days for performances this weekend (Oct. 12 and 13). The group of re-enactors from San Elizario, TX, is dedicated to sharing the rich history of El Paso’s Mission Valley with the rest of the world. The Desperados Club officially organized on April 7, 2000, but has a record of performances that date back much earlier. The Desperados tradition began in 1950 when a group of locals gathered in San Elizario about 20 miles southeast of El Paso to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the town being named the first seat of El Paso County in 1850. The
townspeople performed two re-enactments: "The First Commissioners' Court of
El Paso County" and the "Billy the Kid and Friend Escape," in
which The Kid rode down from Mesilla, NM, to help a friend out of "La
Carcel" (the iron-forged words still hung over the jail's front door). Along
with “The San Elizario Salt War of 1877," these historical events have
been performed for tourists and during festivals in San Eli (nicknamed San Eli)
periodically since 1950. Today’s
Desperados are either relatives of the original re-enactors, residents of San
Eli, or have close ties to the community. Some or the members have been
performing since the early 1970s. With
almost 20 members the Desperados are a cross section of the people that
pioneered the U.S.-Mexico Border. The group included Ladies and Gentlemen of
European, Mexican, Native American and African-American descent. <<<
>>> Sid
Hausman comes back
to Geronimo Days
Once again, Sid Hausman, singer and songwriter of folk and Western Americana with a strong emphasis on instrumental in a bluegrass tradition, will be returning to Geronimo Days this weekend, Oct. 12 and 13. Playing banjo and 12-string guitar, he tours nationally as a solo artist and has conducted workshops throughout the United States as well as Europe and Great Britain. Sid's songs reflect his experience with Native Americans, the influence of Hispanic culture and the rural environment of the Southwest. A BMI writer, he is also a performing member of the Western Music Association. “I primarily write about the Southwest,” says Hausman, "but that's just because I've lived here so long." The Native American influence on his music is a reflection of his15 years spent working on reservations. Hausman's musical philosophy is that songwriting is much like photography. He considers his songs to be "musical pictures" of what he sees around him. Much of Hausman's work reflects environmental themes. While he doesn't consider himself as "Earth Firster," he does think that song is a gentle way to raise people's awareness about taking care of the Earth. Hausman's work is sometimes directed at children. As an artist in residence for New Mexico, he has done programs and workshops for children in schools and on reservations in eight states. Hausman has appeared at many events all over the U.S., indluding Chamizal Borderfolk Festival in El Paso, TX, the National Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock, TX, Pikes Peak Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Colorado, University of Washington in Seattle, and the Stables at Wavendon, England. <<< >>> Cowboy Darrell Hawkins to spin his rope at 14th annual Geronimo Days
The rope and saddle have been the working tools of the cowboy as long as there have been cowboys. It was only natural that besides using the rope to work with, he also used it to play and to spend his non-working hours by spinning his rope. At one time from the 1900s to 1930s rope spinning was a very competitive skill at rodeos, just as bronco riding and calf roping. It also was on the stage in circuses and wild west shows. Darrell Hawkins, a real cowboy who has rode and worked with round up wagons on some of the biggest ranches in the Southwest will present a most dazzling display of rope spinning during his third appearance at Geronimo Days this weekend, Oct. 12 and 13. Hawkins has performed in all of the western states, Mexico and Canada, working in wild west shows, the circus, on stage and rodeo. Since his last appearance at Geronimo Days, Darrell has added something new to his act. Besides rope spinning, he’ll also be cracking the bull whip. This sounds easy enough but there is a real art to making it do what you want. <<< >>> Sheryl Clapton to show at 2002 Geronimo Days By Jim Brannon Songwriter-singer Sheryl Clapton and singing partner and percussionist Carlos Pitts will be making their first appearance at the 14th annual Geronimo Days this weekend, Oct. 12-13.\ Sheryl, an accomplished 12-string guitarist, has numerous CDs to her credit, including her newest, “Music from Our Shores.” She’s also the recipient of several music awards including NAR Folk/Pop Artist of the Year 2002. Sheryl, who writes most of her own material, said, “I perform for the love of life. Peace is a goal of the lyrics as is fun.” Sheryl describes her music as original folk rock for peace. She has played music most of her life. Coming from a strong spiritual basis, she loves the blues, rock, bluegrass, country, jazz and classical, all of which are root music to her. Her sultry vocals make everyone who hears her a fan. <<< >>> Geronimo Days Cowboy Breakfast By Jim Brannon The Cowboy Breakfast has become the traditional kick-off for each year’s Geronimo Days celebration. This year’s breakfast will be sponsored by Elks Lodge 2750 with part of the proceeds going to the Elks Lodge Building Fund. The breakfast will be served from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, in Windmill Plaza outside of Geronimo Springs Museum on Main Street in T or C. In addition to cowboy music, visitors can enjoy a breakfast of biscuits and sausage gravy, red and green chile, beans, orange juice and of course cowboy coffee right off the campfire, all for a $3 donation. It’s guaranteed no one will leave hungry. Advance tickets for the breakfast may be purchased at Geronimo Springs Museum. Tickets also will be available the day of the event. For more information on any Geronimo Days event, call Jim Brannon at 894-2181. <<< >>>
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