For the second time this year, Sun City Sci Fi will host a pop culture convention in downtown, El Paso. The promoters have tagged FAN EXPO to the name so fans can differentiate the main spring convention from the theme-specific fall convention. This Fan Expo will focus on STAR WARS and will feature celebrity guests like Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.

 

Ean Puhlman, event organizer who shares duties with the rest of his immediate family to run the convention met us at Sparrow's Spirits and Pies in downtown to discuss the upcoming event.

 

Sun City Sci Fi Fan Expo is scheduled for October 4th and 5th in the downtown, Convention Center. This will be the third convention and the second held in downtown, El Paso.

 

The Mexican Food Cook-Off is back. The cook-off will be held on South El Paso Street in Downtown El Paso. There will be tons to do and plenty to enjoy!  Come out and eat, drink, and celebrate all that the Mexican culture has to offer.

 

Come see a variety of restaurants and chefs compete for their shot of having the best Mexican food in El Paso with three categories of competition - fajitas, enchiladas, and open dish.

 

This isn't just a food competition,  it's a fiesta! Coming back to the Mexican Food World Cook-Off on the Coors Light Stage is the Folklorico Dance Championships and the Battle of the Rock and Roll Mariachis.

 

While you're out there, taste all the flavors of Mexico! TFCU food coins will be sold for only $2 each, you can use these to buy endless amounts of food, drinks, and ice cold beer from vendors!

 

The festival grounds will be open from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with FREE admission from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can get in free to the festival grounds after 6:00 PM with a Metro PCS Pass (while supplies last), available at all Metro PCS locations soon. No Metro PCS Pass? A minimal admission fee of $3 per person will be collected starting at 6 p.m. for anyone entering without a Metro PCS Pass.

 

September 20th, 2014

South El Paso Street 

Downtown El Paso

Cost: Free- $3

 

Peter Kenneth Frampton is an English rock musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Frampton is previously associated with the bands Humble and The Herd, though Frampton international breakthrough was his live release Frampton Comes Alive! which sold more than six million copies in the United States alone. 

 

Following a massive year of touring, including 2013's inaugural Frampton's Guitar Circus, Peter Frampton is back on the road. This time Frampton will set out on a three-part catch-all tour including select solo dates, a co-headlining run with Grammy-winning American rock legends The Doobie Brothers and the return of Frampton's Guitar Circus Kicking off in August, Frampton's Guitar Circus will feature special performances with friend and celebrated guitarist Buddy Guy as well as other surprise guests. 

 

Last year's Guitar Circus' company included David Bowie, Matt Cameron & Mike McCready (Pearl Jam),  B.B. King, Robert Cray, Sonny Landreth, Steve Cropper, Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots), Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles), Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Vince Gill, Roger McGuinn (founder/lead guitarist of the BYRDS) and many more. 

 

Frampton is known for hits such as: "Breaking All the Rules", "Show Me the Way", "Baby, I Love Your Way", "Do You Feel Like We Do", and "I'm in You". Peter Frampton will stop in El Paso to perform greatest hits along with his latest recently released album Hummingbird in a Box.

 

Saturday September 23rd, 2014 at 7:30

Plaza Theatre  

123 W. Mills Avenue

Downtown El Paso 

Cost: $65-$100+

 

Alfresco! Friday's celebrates the 12th Anniversary in 2014 at its new location at the Convention Center Plaza! 

  

Alfresco! Fridays provides a casual way to experience some of the best established and upcoming local bands. Originally conceived as a way of keeping employees downtown at the start of the weekend, the concerts quickly became a draw for visitors to downtown. 

  

This season features all kinds of music including: Jazz, Latin, Reggae, Classic Rock, Salsa, Funk, Mariachi and more.  

  

This week, the last show of this season, will feature a Latin variety musical performance from Azucar. Azucar's musical recipe starts with of a brilliant classically trained and multi-influenced virtuoso pianist, composer and arranger (from El Paso), adds a rich voice and masterful bass guitar accompaniment of his brother. Blends in a beautiful and talented female vocalist and tosses in a mean horn section. Stirs in drums and Puerto Rican rhythm for "sabor," and the result is the red hot Latin salsa and variety band called Azucar.

This extremely versatile group amazes both listeners and dancers as the talented musicians work their way from upbeat, fiery Latin salsas and merengues to tender, romantic contemporary pop ballads and then on to big band hits, Tejano, and rock and roll "oldies." Azucar is the rare band that is able to play something for everybody without ever sacrificing musical integrity.

 

September 19th, 2014 at 6 p.m.

Convention Center Plaza

Cost: Free

  

With her consistently striking and dynamic performances, 26-year-old pianist Natasha Paremski reveals astounding virtuosity and voracious interpretive abilities. 

 

Her 2013-2014 season, packed with international dates, kicked off with the release of a highly-acclaimed recording of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The album, which features the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Fabien Gabel, has been hailed as an "electric, powerhouse performance" (The Herald).

 

Performance is lead by Conductor Bohuslav Rattay, and Pianist Natasha Paremski. First Impressions include Debussy: Afternoon of a Faun, Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2, and Debussy: La Mer. 

 

Discounts are for season tickets only as follows: Seniors 65+/Active Military - 20%, Teachers - 30%, Students & Children - 50% (discount not available for section I). Season ticket prices vary from $63 to $201, single tickets and side by side concerts prices vary from $15-$40 and can be found at epso.org or by phone at 915.532.3776 

 

September 19th and 20th, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

Plaza Theatre 

123 W. Mills Avenue

Downtown El Paso

 

Conor Oberst is an American singer-songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska. Oberst is recognized for being an always-evolving musician. Oberst versatility is present in his music writings and recordings dating back to 1993. 

 

In that time he has recorded and performed in many bands and musical collaborations including Commander Venus, Monsters of Folk, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, Park Ave., Desaparecidos, and most notably Bright Eyes, his main musical vehicle for the past decade. 

 

Conor Oberst will make a stop at the Sun City to perform his latest Upside Down Mountain. 

 

Hard tickets can be found at Maria's Closet, Bowie Feathers, Tricky Falls, and online at ticketfly.com. 

 

This is an all ages event and doors open at 7 p.m.

 

Monday September 22nd, 2014.

Tricky Falls

209 S. El Paso 

Downtown El Paso

Cost: $20

Get everything you need for your fiestas, and celebrations. Shop DWNTWN to experience the border culture while having unique and diverse shopping opportunities at many of the retailers located downtown. 

 

Downtown offers you a wide variety of goods at unbelievable prices. Stop by and encounter the latest in fashion in retails stores such as Krystal Jeans, Hollands, Continental Dry Goods, and many more! 

 

Stores such as Mr. Hats, La Coqueta, El Loco Gamez, are among the many stores that offer you the biggest variety in accessories for you or your little ones to be ready for school. 

 

Look good and smell good! Perfumeria Rachelle I & II, Genesis Perfumeria, S K Cosmetics, La Pila Relojeria, GJ Jewelry Shop, and dozens of other stores offer you the greatest selection of beauty supplies and accessories. 

 

Shopping builds an appetite? Downtown is known for the most delicious authentic food from a variety of eateries such as La Feria Grill, Caf� Colon, Hello Day Cafe, and Hong Kong Express. 

 

Do not limit yourself to the stores listed above there about 300 stores located downtown where you can get great products for the best prices while enjoying the rich borderland culture!

Artist and Farmers' Market takes place every Saturday morning. The market offers original arts and crafts, food vending, regionally grown agricultural products and entertainment from local artists, artisans and farmers in El Paso County.

 

Established in 2011, the market offers residents and visitors the
opportunity to shop in an outdoor setting while enjoying great food and free
activities for the entire family. 

 

Help support your local artists and farmers by shopping local every Saturday at the Downtown Artist and Farmers' Market! 

 

 

Free Parking is available.

Saturday September 20th, 2014.

9am-1pm

Union Plaza District, Downtown El Paso

 

 

 

This is a spiritual fair for people to come and learn, while also having the opportunity to listen to motivational speakers. 

 

With over 80 exhibitors and free guest speakers this weekend will be an overall healing event with local professionals helping you achieve balance between mind, body and spirit. You'll enjoy this amazing experience of personal enrichment and enlightenment during this fun filled weekend. 

 

This is the largest Holistic event in the El Paso area, with many exhibitors and guest speaks waiting to share their knowledge with you!

 

One day general admission ticket is $10, two days general admission ticket is $15, and the two-day general admission with an Aura photo is $25. For more information and ticket purchasing visit the event website (livingexpo.com) or call 1.888.275.5778

 

September 20th and 21st, 2014 

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Camino Real Hotel 

101 S. El Paso Street

 

 

The Ghost915 Paranormal Research Center will host a fundraiser tour benefiting the Riverside High School Class of 2015, students need help raising funds for graduation and by going on this tour the proceeds will go towards helping them.

 

Walk the streets of haunted downtown El Paso, and hear stories of betrayal, unique symbolism of buildings, and see the deadliest intersection of the Old West. 

 

You will be going inside the remains of The Palace Saloon and The Wigwam Saloon.

Warning: this tour is not recommended for small children, the faint of heart or the easily offended. This tour contains adult situations, offensive history and some adult language.

 

More information at 915.274.9531

 

Friday September 19th, 2014

Ghost Tour: $10

9 p.m.- 11 p.m.

Ghost915 Paranormal Research Center

108 E. San Antonio 

Downtown El Paso

The 2014 El Paso Dental Conference will feature well-know lecturers in multiple dental disciplines, including topics to help you with the business of dentistry. Proudly offering the best value in dental continuing education in Texas! Relax at the FIESTA! with a  happy hour for dentists and their staff after the first day of courses.

 

Every year, the dental industry sees incredible new advances in a wide range of product categories. The Exhibit Hall is your resource for hands-on learning about the newest, latest and greatest products while discussing them with your peers and with product experts. Please join to take advantage of discounts, speak with experienced personnel, and learn about the newest technologies in the dental field. 

 

A cafe will be open featuring a variety of luncheon entrees and snacks. Enjoy complimentary food, drink, and entertainment! 

 

September 18th & 19th, 2014 starting at 7:30 a.m.

Judson F. Williams Convention Center

1 Civic Center Plaza 

Downtown El Paso 

  

 

The Garden brings you the last edition of the chic music pool parties better know as "Sunburst Series".  Time to step out of the shade, dress up and step into the sun for the 5th installment of the 5 party series! 

 

Summer is almost gone, enjoy it the best way you know, dress to impress and join ElevenIvy and The Garden for this last installment of the Sunburst Series for Brunch, Drinks, Hookah, Beats.

 

The Sunburst tickets are only $15, which gives access to complementary open bar from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free brunch appetizers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and access to VIP areas. Don't miss Sunburst Brunch & Day Party this Saturday at The Garden!
 

Presale tickets: http://mkt.com/elevenivy-llc/sunburst-vol-summer-vibes Reservations: [email protected]

 

Saturday September 20th, 2014

The Garden 

511 Western 

Brunch at 11 a.m. Party at 2 p.m.

For more information call 915.544.4400

 

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in El Paso is America's largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. The Purpose of RSVP is to provide enrichment for older adults through significant community service. It encourages seniors to bring a lifetime of talent, experience, skills, and hobbies, to community projects, organizations, and agencies needing talented volunteers.

 

Since 1974 when the program commenced, RSVP has grown to almost 1,400 volunteers. The program serves in 75 non-profit organizations and agencies in the City and County of El Paso. RSVP volunteers devote over 200,000 hours of service every year.

 

RSVP Volunteers can be found at different locations between Canutillo and Fabens. They have varied tasks; from working with community centers, state parks, city zoo, nutrition centers, hospitals, museums, libraries, law enforcement agencies, and to provide friendly phone calls from home.

 

There is only one requirement to be a RSVP volunteer, and that is to be age 55 or older. All volunteers serve without pay and there is no education or income requirements.

 

If you are 55 years of age and are interested in volunteering, obtaining more information, or an opportunities booklet of volunteer locations, call 915.212.1683 or email to [email protected]

 

Saturday September 20th, 2014

Convention Center Plaza

1 Civic Center Plaza

Downtown El Paso

 

Led Zeppelin 2- "The Live Experience" brings you the excitement of Led Zeppelin "In Concert" by re-enacting the live improvisation & onstage interaction that earned Led Zeppelin their legendary status for performing. Rather than a "greatest hits" show, you get to experience Zeppelin as Zeppelin would have played in front of an audience.

 

Revive your Zeppelin classics as "Stairway to Heaven", "Dazed and Confused", "Good Times Bad Times" as if Robert Plant & Jimmy Page would be in front of you performing. 

 

Led Zeppelin 2 hard tickets can be found at Maria's Closet, Bowie Feathers, Tricky Falls, and online at ticketfly.com. 

 

This is an all ages event and doors open at 7 p.m.

 

Sunday September 21st, 2014.

Tricky Falls

209 S. El Paso 

Downtown El Paso

Cost: $10-$15

Whether you moved to the United States for better school and/or work opportunities or to be with your family, this beautiful land gives you the right to earn your United States of America citizenship.

 

The extensive procedures and paperwork can be a hassle, the El Paso Public Libraries are helping individuals with Citizenship classes to help and ease the load of this important process. 

 

The classes are offered every Tuesday in all library branches at 5 p.m. For Additional information call 915.543.5433

 

Tuesday September 23rd, 2014

El Paso Public Library-Main Branch

501 N. Oregon Street

Downtown El Paso

 

The El Paso Museum of History has offered a variety of classes where students can develop or master a new skill. The classes have varied from language learning, dancing and interpretive arts, as well as photography and other visual arts. 

 

Join the Yoga Classes at the Museum of History taught by instructor Chris Borunda. Learn the Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. Yoga is widely practiced for health and relaxation. Class is for adult women and men. 

 

Classes are only $10 for museum members and $20 for non-museum members for the entire 8-week session. 

 

Saturday September 20th at 9-10 a.m.  

El Paso Museum of History

510 N. Santa Fe 

Downtown El Paso 

 

 

The World Cinema Series continues with another film screening. This event is free, however a $3.00 suggested non-member adult donation is appreciated and will be used to purchase books for the Algur H. Meadows Library. 

 

Due to restrictions imposed by the film licensing organization the museum is not able to publicly list of the titles of the films being shown. 

 

Seating is limited to 220 people and is on a first come, first served basis. Entrance stickers may be obtained at the El Paso Museum of Art Store

 

Saturday September 20th at 2 p.m.

El Paso Museum of Art Energy Auditorium

1 Arts Festival Plaza

Arts District

Downtown El Paso 

 

Easy, Fun, Free, and Couple Friendly. Every Tuesday dusk explore Downtown El Paso and enjoy a bike ride with friends and loved ones. This ride is perfect for dates, spinning legs, and just checking out a different ride. 

 

Explore a fun and different mean of transportation and bring your well working bicycle, water, and your helmet for an amazing summer ride. 

 

The event is free and hosted by Chuck's Bicycle Repair. The group meets at Soho Sports Pub at 7 p.m. to embark on the ride. 

 

Tuesday September 23rd, 2014

Soho Sports Pub

500 North Oregon St. 

Downtown El Paso

 

National Park(ing) day utilizes metered parking spaces as the space for a mini park. This event has been in cities across the nation and globe to experiment and play, regarding community and shared public space. Started in San Francisco in 2005, the Original Park(ing) Day concept by Rebar. www.rebargroup.org

 

All done to inspire creativity and community building that's more conducive to human interaction and creates more opportunities of connectivity within built up urban pockets.
 

Parking Spaces used this year will be located on the East side of Franklin Avenue in Downtown El Paso with support from Craft and Social, Pot Au Feu and the Historic Hotel Gardner.

 

Thanks the support from all local entities in this inaugural year and this event is open source so please feel free to like the community page, stay connected and create a park of your own with others next year. It is not all about cutting edge with this experiment but making your stamp of individuality and reclaiming connectivity in the urban forms of community and day to day life.

 

Support the El Paso Office of Sustainability events and participate by taking advantage of $3 pints from Craft & Social, $3 wells from Pot Au Feu, free pizza slices from Pizza Joint, and live performances from Rafa Pistola, Grau Jazz, plus much more.

 

Friday September 19th, 2014

300 Block of East Franklin  

Downtown El Paso

 

Immensely talented with a guitar and gifted with a soulful voice beyond her years, Gaby hails from Guatemala, but has called Los Angeles home since touching down in 2001.

 

Gaby's been constantly immersed in music and the industry with a single-minded goal: To become a successful singer/songwriter mixing Spanish and English vocals while retaining total artistic and creative control. Winner of the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, "Maxell Song of the Year" via "Escondidos" helped garner exposure and was a huge step in the right direction. 

 

Her pace has quickened since, with songs like the irresistibly funky "Greenhorne Man" being featured by television shows such as ABC's "Lincoln Heights" and "Ghost Whisperer" and MTV's "The Hills." She was then given the task to write the theme song for NBC's "Parks and Recreation" which is now a staple in scores of households across the nation. 

 

In 2011, without any push or support from a label, her independently released sophomore album "Illustrated Songs" reached #1 in sales on Latin Itunes and Amazon Latin. That led her to many concerts in the U.S. and Europe.

 

Gaby Moreno has been compared with soulful singers whose as Fiona Apple or Tori Amos. 

 

Friday September 19th, 2014.

Tricky Falls

209 S. El Paso 

Downtown El Paso

Cost: $10