Sunny times await convention-goers looking for music and laughter during FMCA’s “Albuquerque Fiesta” convention.
By Doug Uhlenbrock, Associate Editor
February 2010
Motorhomers attending FMCA’s “Albuquerque Fiesta” convention, March 22 through 25, 2010, at EXPO New Mexico, will be treated to terrific music and comedy during the daytime hours. Between browsing through the exhibit halls, inspecting the motorhomes on display, and learning something new at the seminars, convention-goers can settle in to enjoy a variety of diversions at the daytime entertainment stage.
The fun begins at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22, when Los Reyes de Albuquerque, an authentic mariachi band, provides a rousing start for the festivities. The seven-piece group, dressed in traditional mariachi attire, will perform a range of mariachi and New Mexican folk music.
At noon, John P. Martinez, considered one of the premier solo guitarists in the Albuquerque area, will take the stage to entertain attendees with his skillful performance. Mr. Martinez, a graduate of the University of New Mexico Classical Guitar Program, will perform a mix of core classical guitar music, as well as jazz standards and contemporary songs.
At 2:00 p.m., guitarists Wes & Mito — Wayne Wesley Johnson and Miguel de Soto — will dazzle the audience with their mastery of Jazz, classical and flamenco guitar styles, They call their trademark sound, “Jazzamenco.”
Beginning on Tuesday, March 23, convention-goers can get their days off to a warm and tasty start during Morning Coffee Hour each day from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., courtesy of Roadmaster, C2952, an FMCA Five Star sponsor. Two areas will be set up to serve complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and doughnuts at the “Albuquerque Fiesta”: one at the daytime entertainment stage at EXPO New Mexico, and the other near the entertainment stage at Balloon Fiesta Park where the majority of family parking will be located. While enjoying your morning treats, make sure to pick up a complimentary copy of the Albuquerque Journal along with the official FMCA “Albuquerque Fiesta” newsletter to keep abreast of all the convention happenings.
Attendees at EXPO New Mexico for Coffee Hour will be entertained from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. by Pablo Morales.
Members who choose to get their coffee and doughnuts at Balloon Fiesta Park will be entertained by FMCA’s own Frustrated Maestros, who will perform there each day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. This eclectic ensemble, composed of members from the various Frustrated Maestros chapters, has been a convention favorite since the original Frustrated Maestros chapter was formed in 1981. The Maestros also will perform at the daytime entertainment stage at EXPO New Mexico on Wednesday, March 24, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., before and during the Ice Cream Social, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. Make sure to be in the area at that time to pick up a cool treat, courtesy of Miller RV Insurance Agency, C3045, an FMCA Two Star sponsor.
At 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23, start the day with a healthy dose of laughter provided by Funny Dummy Stuff at the daytime entertainment stage. Comedy ventriloquist Ken Karter brings his cast of puppet characters to life to create a hilarious, entertaining show for all ages. Ken became interested in ventriloquism at the age of 12 and has spent most of his life developing his characters and adding new jokes to his routine.
At 11:00 a.m., prepare to be “All Shook Up” during the Elvis Chavez Show. Joseph “Elvis” Chavez will reprise a selection of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits while making you think the “King” really is in the building.
Tuesday afternoon at 2:00, guitarist Ronaldo Baca will be accompanied by a group of flamenco dancers to wow the audience with their high-energy performance. Mr. Baca began studying classical guitar at the age of 13, and later his interests broadened to include the flamenco style. He is also accomplished playing jazz guitar as well as the Arabic lute, or oud.
Native American flute player Adrian Wall will take the stage at 11:00 a.m. to mesmerize the audience with his hauntingly beautiful style of music. Mr. Wall, whose tribal ancestry can be traced back to the Jemez Pueblo, Chippewa, Laguna Pueblo, and Seneca tribes, blends many contemporary musical influences with the traditional sounds of American Indian flute.
Closing out the daytime entertainment on Wednesday, at 3:00 p.m., will be the New Mexican Marimba Band. The group is led by Steve Chavez, a marimba historian, teacher, composer, and performer who has played with numerous orchestras and has composed/arranged nine concerti for marimba and orchestra and two for marimba and wind ensemble.
On Thursday at 9:00 a.m., kick off the day with American Indian singer Shelley Morningsong. Shelley, of Northern Cheyenne heritage, has performed on stage and screen since early childhood. Through music, she hopes to keep alive the Indian customs and language that she fears are disappearing, while educating, encouraging, and bringing joy to people of all ages and every walk of life. She will perform songs from her debut album, “Out of the Ashes,” which received several prestigious awards.
At 11:00 a.m., make sure to get over to the daytime entertainment stage to hear the Trumpet Geezers. As the name jokingly implies, the group is made up of several baby-boomer-age men who have rediscovered their love for the trumpet after not playing it for many years. The Geezers also will toot their own horns during the Red Hat Social at 3:00 p.m. that day.
So, make sure to check out one or more of these fantastic daytime performers as they help keep the party rolling during the “Albuquerque Fiesta.”