SFR Picks—Week of May 25

Smooth Like

Velvet Vision brings synthy goodness to Lost Padre Records concert series

The free shows keep on coming to Water Street record store Lost Padre, this time in the almost overwhelmingly synthy form of PSIRENS, Theo Krantz, Teleporter and, one of our new faves, Velvet Vision.

“I wouldn’t call myself a nerd so much,” says Velvet Vision’s one-woman-army of Betty Taylor when asked if she was always a synth nerd. “I just really like the sound of electronic music, and especially that ‘80s synth-pop sound.”

That’s an apt description of Taylor’s sound, though thinking you’re just going to catch some kind of Eurythmics tribute act would be selling Taylor short. She’s a bit of a melody master, honestly, the sort of composer who finds pop goodness, but smartifies it with layers and loops and a satisfying vocal style.

It’s a far cry from Taylor’s Minnesota roots, where she was really more of a violinist. Maybe having some of that capital-S serious music theory lends her a certain know-how that’s transferable to synth, but on her new-ish single release “Silver City” from January, which is available via velvetvision.bandcamp.com, Taylor surprisingly dips into a somehow even more pleasant version of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Strange Magic.” Setting aside Jeff Lynne’s tragically chronic bout with under-appreciation, Taylor’s version wows, and her original song—produced with help from local Krantz—feels like a more studious sound from Sparks’ Girogio Moroder phase, or even David Grellier’s College. Taylor’s whispery talk-singing errs a bit more toward intriguing and secretive than it does bubblegum, though, and once you’ve got this thing in your head, good luck getting it out.

Budding fans should note Velvet Vision’s heading toward a mini-hiatus soon, trading in regular performance for a bit of writing.

Taylor tells SFR she’d like to get a full-length record going at some point, and she’ll need focus. Before then, jump at this chance to hear pop gold. (Alex De Vore)

Velvet Vision with PSIRENS, Theo Krantz and Teleporter: 6 pm Thursday, May 26. Free. Lost Padre Records, 131B W Water St., (505) 310-6389

The Dirty Dozen

Normally we wouldn’t point out how other arts publications exist, but the roster for Southwest Contemporary’s upcoming 12 New Mexico Artists You Need to Know is straight-up fire. Culled from creators across the state, the event features names like Tigre Mashaal-Lively, Terran Last Gun (Piikani), Amelia Bauer, Nina Elder, Mikayla Patton (Oglala Lakota) and way more than we could possibly fit here. Together, they’ll take over local gallery Pie Projects for the kind of show we might not otherwise ever see. Hats off to Southwest Contemporary publisher Lauren Tresp and company over there at the magazine for compiling such an incredible list of painters, sculptors, performers, illustrators, etc. These totally are artists you need to know! (ADV)

12 New Mexico Artists You Need to Know: 5 pm Friday, May 27. Free. Pie Projects, 924 Shoofly St. Ste. B, (505) 372-7681

Feel Yourself

Say what you will, the burlesque movement has been a long-lasting and popular one, plus it’s proof that the erotic arts continue to be more powerful and creative than any puritans would have us believe. We understand the bar to entry could be intimidating to some, but at an upcoming workshop through Wise Fool New Mexico, experienced performers are prepared to give n00bs the low-down. At the class, newcomers will learn how to envision and execute a character, what techniques to use and the types of titillating moves that make ‘em go, “Ooh!” Bring layers, a large coat, a loose shirt and maybe a tank top, then prepare to feel sexier than you ever thought possible. Oh, and you can pre-pay for the whole run or just drop in for a single class—your call. (ADV)

Queer Burlesque Workshop: 11 am-1 pm Saturday, May 28. $22-$108. Wise Fool New Mexico, 1131 Siler Road Ste. B, (505) 992-2588

Grand Larceny

In the world of electronic music, there are few acts as immediately recognizable—or enduring—as Washington, DC’s Thievery Corporation. Composed of duo Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, the act’s long-standing mission of mashing up the musical styles of Earth with a bit of jazz, electronica and dance styles has been so popular, we think, because it has been so hard to pin down. As it says on their website, “Yes, you’ll dance, sweat and put your hands in the air…but their concerts are true performances, with a killer band of players and an array of vocalists from diverse global cultures.” Ummmm, yeah, that sounds great. Do note the show has moved from its original Taos location down to The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Co., and that experimental dance musician Tone Ranger has joined the fray. Outdoor dance jams with certified music geniuses? You bet. (ADV)

Thievery Corporation with Tone Ranger: 7 pm Sunday, May 29. $49. The Bridge@Santa Fe Brewing Co., 37 Fire Place, (505) 557-6182