(Ten Local Writers Selected to Generations Community Writing Project)
Las Cruces, New Mexico, March 23, 2023: The Las Cruces Arts and Cultural District (ACD) will host its second annual Literary Arts Festival on Saturday, April 1st beginning at 1pm. This event will showcase our community’s enthusiasm for literary arts from spoken word open mic and musical and dance performances to book-based, food, and drink specials and other exciting offerings in-between. The day of celebration will culminate with the third annual Generations Community Writing Project reading at the Rio Grande Theatre at 6:00PM.
The Literary Festival will happen mainly at the Rio Grande Theatre with live dance performances by Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Michele’s Dance Academy. There will also be an open mic-spoken word portion of the program, where seasoned professionals and first-timers will showcase their talent, connect with the community, and experience the power of self-expression.
“We are excited to host Lit Fest once again, this event spotlights the creativity and artistry of Las Cruceans and while highlighting our Downtown District.” said Susan Cabello, Director of the Las Cruces Arts and Cultural District. “We couldn’t put this event on without the support of our artist community. Each year our Generations Writers Project has grown I cannot wait to hear the readings.”
LitFest culminates at the Rio Grande Theatre with the Generations Reading (6pm). Generations Community Writing Project links writers across generations and cultures to create connections with each other and the audience. This year the theme is “Coming of Age.”
Ten writers were selected and paired to share their inter-generational experience and perspectives. The pairs are at least 20 years apart in age and come from all backgrounds. This year’s writers are: Miguel Márquez, Naomi Tercero, Jaylene Watkins McIntosh, Liz Llano, Raquel Vola Madrigal, Lynn Sally, Dustin Write, John Anderson, Laura Duemyer, and Maxwell Griego.
This is a family friendly event and free to the public.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- 1 PM: Dark Circles Contemporary Dance: Excerpt from Joshua L. Peugh’s “Romeo and Juliet” at the Rio Grande Theatre
- 1:20 PM: Michele’s Dance Academy: Ballet Folklorico Pasos del Alma at the Rio Grande Theatre
- 1:30 PM: Book Worm Brunch at Amador Patio Bar and Grill
- 2 PM: Screenwriter Meetup at Film Las Cruces on Griggs
- 3:30 PM: Spoken Word: Open Mic Sign Up at the Rio Grande Theatre
- 4 PM: LC Spoken Word: Open Mic begins at the Rio Grande Theatre
- 5 PM: Get Lit Happy Hour at RAD Retrocade
- 6 PM: Generations Community Writing Project Readings
The Themed mini events will be held at participating businesses throughout the ACD. Participants include:
Amador Patio Bar and Grill Book Work Brunch: “Lord of the Fries: Crispy french fries smothered in house made beer cheese, bacon and Hatch green chile $11, 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Seafood Clamato Cocktail: Shrimp, whitefish, fresh pico de gallo, cilantro and avocado served in signature Clamato mix. Served with saltine crackers and tostada chips $15, A Clockwork Mango: Mango Margarita $8, and A Catcher in the Rye: Amador’s Private Barrel of Whistle Pig Rye 10 year $20
Little Toad Creek: Will host a “Singer Songwriter” performance. Sit inside or on the Main Street patio and enjoy the music and lyricism of Taylor Paul
Rad Retrocade: “Get Lit Happy Hour” Kick off your evening with fun, literary-inspired cocktails
Film Las Cruces 221 W Griggs Ave: “Screenwriter Meetup” Film Las Cruces hosts a biweekly meetup for local Screenwriters. There are no qualifications to join, and anyone is encouraged to participate!
For more information visit https://downtownlascruces.org/
