King's Cross

What the Dickens? It's The King's Singers!

There's something about this time of the year that seems to scream, "We need incredible vocalists who know what it means to harmonize beautiful!" Yeah, that's pretty specific, but all the same, you've got to check out this performance from The King's Singers. Founded in the '60s, The King's Singers have been an ever-rotating cast of world-traveling choral masterminds who have commissioned works from some of today's most popular and talented composers while keeping a foot rooted in the choral tradition.

There will certainly be majestic Christmas music (they're British after all, and isn't that where Christmas was invented? That's a joke, letter-writers), but the true joy to hearing these six men sing is their pure commitment to impeccable harmonization.

Most recently, The King's Singers launched a multi-song tribute to the Great American Songbook, as arranged by composer Alexander L'Estrange. It's amazing how a group with origins some 50 years ago can breathe new life into longtime favorites, and some of these songs are as good as new.

Perhaps you've seen The King's Singers perform on any number of television programs over the years and thought to yourself how great they sing or perhaps you're just a sucker for a cappella beauty. Either way, live music isn't always about getting fall-down drunk or hearing 25 songs about trains. This is your chance to hear some seriously beautiful music, Santa Fe, and we hope you don't miss it.

-Alex De Vore

The King's Singers 7:30 pm Friday, Dec. 6. $20-$55 Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Place, 988-1234

FILM

FAR OUT
When in need, the local community can always count on local filmmaker, activist and photographer Lisa Law to lend a helping hand. On Saturday, Law presents her documentary Flashing on the Sixties at Warehouse 21 as a benefit for the youth center. Along with the screening, there'll be a raffle of a framed photo of Bob Dylan and one of Dennis Hopper shot by Law. "It is a fun event with me signing books and visiting with people," Law tells SFR, adding that "lots of Sixties folks come out for the show and this time we have mayoral candidates coming as well." A love letter to the decade, Flashing on the Sixties features interviews with the movers and shakers of the day, including Peter Coyote, Peter Fonda, Wavy Gravy and more. "It is just a great gettogether for a great cause," Law says.

(Enrique Limón)

Flashing on the Sixties: 7 pm Saturday, Dec. 7. $5-$10, Warehouse 21, 1614 Paseo de Peralta, 989-4423

SPECIAL EVENTS

POOCH PADS
The term "it's a dog's life" doesn't ring exactly the same as it did a few years back, given that Americans currently spend over $60 billion annually on their pets. Yes, billion, with a B. So why not join the bandwagon and assist a worthy cause along the way? This Thursday, the Sanbusco Market Center along with pet emporium Teca Tu, present Barkitecture, a special benefit event to help out the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, consisting of 10 luxurious doghouses done by a group of talented local artists, including SFR Project Art Box alumn Lupe Garza. Looking to give your pampered doggie a gift he or she won't forget this Christmas? One of these pooch pads should do the trick. The rawhide cherry on top? The evening included a party, a people's choice awards ceremony and a special raffle. (EL)

Barkitecture: 6 pm Thursday, Dec. 5. Free. Sanbusco Market Center, 500 Montezuma Ave., 983-4309

COMMUNITY

SPECIAL PURPOSE
Picking up this Winter Guide has got you all sorts of giddy and, naturally, you want to get out of the house like a modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge and shout your love for everything Santa Fe wintertime from the rooftops. Well, for starter, put some pants on. Secondly, how's about sharing the holiday joy with those less fortunate and joining your friend's at SFR for our first-ever Party With a Purpose? The Compund is the place to be on Wednesday. Tickets run $65 and include apps, dinner and drinks, with proceeds benefiting the St. Elizabeth's Shelter—a local, supportive living program that provides housing and support for families with young children. What's that you say, you need a tear-jerking quote from a a noted Golden Age of Freethought orator? Here you go: "We rise by lifting others" -Robert G Ingersoll. (EL)

SFR's Party With a Purpose: 5:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 4. $65. The Compound, 653 Canyon Road, 982-4353

Santa Fe Reporter