JOE TACO (Advertorial)

Mexican restaurant provides fresh dining experience

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

If you spend a lot of time in northwest Amarillo, you have probably noticed a new and unique Mexican restaurant that is exclusive to our city. The doors at Joe Taco opened on September 17, and co-owner Kyle Johnson said business has been booming ever since.

"The public's response has been overwhelmingly positive," Johnson said.

Upon entering Joe Taco, customers will first notice the aroma of real Mexican dishes filling their nostrils. After looking around, they will see an atmosphere filled with a classy, Mexican decor. The paint and decorations are bright and fresh, but not tacky or cluttered, Johnson said. According to Johnson, Joe Taco strives to be different from other "cookie cutter" Mexican restaurants.

"We are anti Tex-Mex," Johnson said. "We make everything from scratch. Everything's fresh."

The new dining sensation, Located at 7312 Wallace Blvd., provides Santa Fe dishes, steaks, seafood and other traditional Mexican food. Johnson said that even the traditional selections are different from other Mexican restaurants because the customer can mix things up by choosing from six different meats and sauces.

"So you can create whatever you want," Johnson said. "I just wanted to create a menu that was a little different."

Johnson recommends that guests try the chile relleno. Joe Taco makes them with a pablano pepper stuffed with asadero cheese and a choice of meat, covered with a light, crispy batter and choice of sauce. He also thinks the green chile chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are worth tasting. They are covered with Hatch green chile sauce and asadero cheese, which is a melted smooth and creamy cheese with a medium bite to it, Johnson said.

Joe Taco also serves an assortment of fresh fruit margaritas. Choices include mango, peach, pomegranate, rasberry and strawberry. "We also make our own sangria," Johnson said.

Joe Taco is a great place to unwind after a long day's work with happy hour taking place from 4-7 p.m. every week day. Pints of draft beer are available for $1.50 during this time as well as cheladas and micheladas. Those specials are available all day Saturday and Sunday.

Summer is heating up, and Joe Taco's outdoor patio is a relaxing place to enjoy it. There is a refreshing fountain and a bar right on the patio. An enclosed patio can be enjoyed as well, if that is what the customer prefers. Expect live music on the outdoor patio Thursday through Saturday nights.

Johnson said the prices at Joe Taco are very affordable.

"We're probably the least expensive full service Mexican restaurant in town," he said. "The average ticket is usually $10 to $10.50, and that includes the drink."

Those looking for a great place to work are encouraged to go to Joe Taco and fill out an application.

"We are always accepting applications," Johnson said. "Business is growing so we always need good people."

Paul Huddleson has been working at Joe Taco since a couple of months after they opened.

"I love my job here," he said. "It's a fun and exciting atmosphere to work in and there are good people to work with including good management."

The mixture of fresh, delicious food and drinks accented with an exceptional dining atmosphere and an even tastier price are sure to make any dining experience one to remember and more than likely one that will keep you coming back for more.

Route 66 Roller Derby gets ready to rumble

First home game to take place May 4

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Tickets to the first home Route 66 Roller Derby bout went on sale April 1. The event will be held on May 4 in the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum.

"It's about to blow up," said Heather "H-Bomb" Hoffsteader, vice president of the Route 66 Roller Derby."This is the fastest growing sport in the nation right now."

According to Hoffsteader, there are more than 10,000 names registered on the roller derby national registration site.

The Route 66 Roller Derby, originally named the Rotor City Rollers, was formed in 2006 and is comprised of two teams. When they spoke with The Scene last August, the girls were anxious to start bouting with other teams but were postponing the action because they were in search of a place to hold their events. Hoffsteader said Amarillo Mayor Debra McCartt helped to connect the girls with the Civic Center and make it their home venue.

"She was very excited to see a sport that is female driven and the girls are the stars. We don't see that very much," Hoffsteader said.

The league did not expect to see themselves in such a large arena, but they are optimistic about the potential the Civic Center could bring to the sport.

"The Civic Center is making all of this possible," Hoffsteader said. "It's a bit out of our comfort zone, but we're excited that our sport is going to be able to compete at this level. We can fit 3,000 people in that arena, and we want to pack it out every time."

Besides a local family and friends event, the derby held its first competitive bout this season against the West Texas Roller Dollz in Lubbock. Since each game has a theme, this event was named "The Rookie Rumble."

"Lubbock is a new team as well," Hoffsteader said. "We did not win, but it was a very close battle."

The derby will kick off its series of home games by having the two local teams, The Bonzai Brawlers and the Deadly Dames, compete in what will be called the "Derby Invasion."

"Although we're all on the same league, I don't think we're going to be holding anything back," said Amber "Fyrebones" Phillips, a skater for the Bonzai Brawlers.

Phillips said she is looking forward to the bout.

"Roller Derby is a challenge to rely not on my own energy, but on God's strength, and he always comes through," she said.

The rest of the games will be with teams from from New Mexico, Oklahoma and other parts of Texas, Hoffsteader said. The official schedule has not been released, but it will be available on the Panhandle Tickets Web site as well as the derby's MySpace page as soon as it is set in stone.

Originally, the Route 66 Roller Derby consisted of three teams, but they reorganized so that they would have a full roster on each team and be able to provide plenty of back up. When the roller girls start taking on teams from other areas, they will pull players from each of the two teams.

Since its formation nearly a year and a half ago, the local roller derby league has become actively involved in the community. This month they will participate in the MS walk on the 12th at John Stiff Park. They will also be set up at the car show on the 27th at Hillside and Bell providing concessions, face painting and information about the derby. That event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets to the game are available through Panhandle Tickets and will cost $10 if purchased in advance. Prices will rise to $15 at the door and cost $5 for children under the age of 10. Season passes can be obtained for $60. Floor seats, or "suicide seating," also is available for $20 per person. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to sit in this section.

"It's very possible that someone will land on you three rows back," Hoffsteader said. Everyone who purchases a ticket for suicide seating will be asked to sign a waiver before the game starts.

Partial proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit local charities.

"Nik Vicious," president of the derby, said she believes that the roller derby is going to be a great thing for Amarillo."It's wild," she said. "It's like sometimes I don't realize how big this has the potential of being, but we have been working so hard for the past year and a half and all of our hard work is finally about to pay off."

ROLLER DERBY: The Basics
** Roller blades are not allowed. All participants must wear quad skates.
** Two teams with 5 girls on each team skate in a formation around the track.
** One girl from each team called a "jammer" races around the track trying to make her way through the other team's girls.
** The girls use blocks, hits and pushes to stop the other team's jammer.

An 'unforgettable' night to take place at Nat Ballroom May 31

Performances by The Whiskey Makin' Mommas burlesque group and Pickled Punk Sideshow to accompany two live bands

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Burlesque performances are an American past time dating back to the mid-1800s. Although burlesque can be a number of different things depending on the artists who create it, it is far more than dress-up for grown-ups. Burlesque is commonly recognized as a style of live production that blends performance, satire and adult entertainment. This usually involves acts by under-dressed women.

The popularity of burlesque saw a decline in the early twentieth century, but according to Nancy Fields, founder of local burlesque group The Whiskey Makin' Mommas, a burlesque revival is taking place.

"It's something I've always been interested in. There's been a resurgence in burlesque, and I knew the only way I'd be able to participate in burlesque here is if I started it."

Fields believes there is a variety of expression that can be achieved through burlesque and sees it as a way for women to feel fun, edgy and sassy all at once. It also gives girls like Jamie Beckley an opportunity to come out of their shells.

"In my private life I'm very much reserved and conservative, and there's something about getting on stage that brings out the beast in me," Beckley said. "I can take off my clothes and feel okay and comfortable."

"It's a positive thing," Fields said. "You can make burlesque whatever you want. I think that's what I like about it... there's really no rules."

The Whiskey Makin' Mommas' next appearance will be May 31 at the Nat Ballroom. The show will be accented with a summer theme.

Along with the burlesque show will be performances by the Pickled Punk Sideshow, garage/punk band Mosquito Bandito and a Michigan rockabilly band.

Fields formed The Whiskey Makin' Mommas in August 2005 when Canadian band Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dollz was scheduled to play a gig in Fort Worth. The band intertwines burlesque with their musical performances, and they were looking for opening acts for their Texas show. Fields contacted the band via e-mail and told them about the not-yet-formed Whiskey Makin' Mommas. The group was scheduled for its first gig before it even existed.

From there, Fields scrambled to find girls that she thought would be interested in performing burlesque. She was successful, and they had one month to prepare for the show.

"We put together a nice, tight 30-minute set," Fields said. "It went really well. We practiced non-stop."

Since then, The Whiskey Makin' Mommas have performed several shows. Fields' favorite burlesque memory is the group's local performance at the August 2006 Femme art show.

"It was the first time a large Amarillo audience saw us, and the response was amazing," she said. "We got a lot of feedback, so that was really thrilling to me that Amarillo was interested in burlesque."

Leta Roberson has been involved with the Whiskey Makin' Mommas for more than a year.

"Honestly, it's just as entertaining for me as it is for everyone else," she said. Roberson said she performs with the group to kick up her femininity.

"When you're a single mom you don't really get time for yourself so it's something that I really do for myself."

The Whiskey Makin' Mommas strive to make each show fresh for the audience.

"Expect the unexpected because you never know what we're going to come up with," Roberson said. "We really try to keep it new. We don't like to do the same thing over and over, so every show is different."

Beckley said those who attend should come expecting to be entertained.

"They're going to be very pleased with what they see," she said.

Fields also is one half of the two-piece Pickled Punk Sideshow, which performs a variety of acts including lying on beds of nails, running on broken glass, setting off mouse traps on the human tongue, playing with fire, body puncturing and much more. This is the first time The Whiskey Makin' Mommas will do a conjoined event with the sideshow.

"It's an unforgettable night," Fields said. "It's going to be awesome."

The official time and cover charge of the event are to be announced. Keep checking http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3doaXNrZXltYWtpbm1vbW1hcw== to find out more.

FYI: In burlesque, performers, usually female, often create elaborate sets with lush, colorful costumes, mood-appropriate music, and dramatic lighting, and may even include novelty acts, such as fire-breathing or demonstrations of unusual flexibility, to enhance the impact of their performance.

source: www.wikipedia.org

Prepare to R.O.K. with Revolution of Knowledge at Summer Bash '08

photo courtesy of myspace.com/revolutionofknowledge

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Fort Worth five piece Revoltion of Knowledge, or R.O.K., has gone through many phases since its formation in early 2006 when brothers Blake and Russell (drummer and lead guitarist), along with bassist Justin Smith, were in search of the missing pieces to their band.

Chad Paschal, now the group's lead singer, united with the band at a R.O.K. after party. From there the foursome immediately began writing, recording and hitting the stage wherever they could.

"When the guys got together the chemistry was so great it was like lighting a stick of dynamite," the group's Web site explains. Revolution of Knowledge independently released its debut album, "It Has Begun," in 2007. They added the fifth member, rhythm guitarist Chris Schmehr, late last year. Since then they have been playing gigs in the Dallas area and Oklahoma.

"We play a lot in Oklahoma... almost every month. We've got a big fan base there," said Schmehr, an Amarillo native.

Thanks to the transmission of music over the Internet, R.O.K.'s fan base also has exploded in Germany and many other parts of the United States and the world.

The band dishes out an energetic show while mixing heavy instrumentals with vocals that are rugged and melodic. Plans of releasing a second CD are underway for 2008, but first R.O.K. will visit the Panhandle May 31 to participate in Summer Bash '08 at Avenue 10, located at 1404 W. 10th Avenue. They expect to play an hour-long set. So far two local bands are on the line-up as well, but others will be added as the time approaches. The event is B.Y.O.B., and there will be a $10 cover charge.

Schmehr said he joined R.O.K. when he saw an ad that they were looking for a rhythm guitarist. He listened to their music on the group's MySpace page and already knew how to play one song by the time he got to his audition. "They felt like I was the missing piece of the puzzle that they've been needing for a while," he said.

Schmehr said Revolution of Knowledge has recently cut back on playing in venues to focus on their upcoming album, which will contain 10 songs. So far eight of those have been perfected, he said.

"The band has evolved so much," Schmehr said. "We're just focused on taking that next step and getting signed. We're thinking that this album is what's going to get us there."

After the release of the album, R.O.K. plans to do a tour around Texas hitting nine cities, including Amarillo. They also will perform in Oklahoma City, Lawton, OK, and Shrieveport, Louisiana.

To hear music from R.O.K., visit them on the Web at myspace.com/revolutionofknowledge. To keep up with the status of Summer Bash '08, visit myspace.com/summerbash08.

Huckabee: Amarillo was pivotal to campaign

 

Only candidate to stop in Amarillo spoke at AQHA Feb. 28
 

 By: Rachel Nelson, Web Editor

http://www.ac-ranger.com/ 

Although Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee did not gain the delegates he needed in Tuesday's election to stay in the race, his campaign was optimistic until the end.

Sen. John McCain won enough delegates Tuesday to take the republican party's nomination.

Although Huckabee did not succeed in the election, he told spectators last Thursday that he would not have done so well in his campaign if not for Amarillo.

"Quite frankly, we wouldn't be standing here today if it hadn't been for Amarillo. So we have a real special place in our hearts for this city and the people of it," Huckabee said when he spoke at the American Quarter Horse Association Feb. 28.

Huckabee was the only candidate in the 2008 race that visited Amarillo before the Texas primaries Tuesday. Huckabee arrived about an hour and a half late to the rally, but the crowd did not dwindle during the wait. Huckabee showed up with special guests Chuck Norris and his wife, Gena Norris. He was escorted and introduced by former Amarillo mayor Trent Sisemore.

Huckabee said he has been associated with the Sisemore family for about 35 years. Jack and Trent Sisemore hosted a fundraising event for Huckabee at Jack Sisemore's home last summer.

"Our campaign last summer was really just, you know, making it month by month and week by week and sometimes day by day. I had committed to my wife and to myself and to the Lord that I would not borrow money and go into debt for the campaign," Huckabee said. "So we were at a point where by that next week we couldn't meet payroll and the fundraiser that we had here in Amarillo at Jack's house was what kept us floating. And from there we were able to go on to Iowa and do extremely well in the straw poll, but it kind of catapulted us on.

Huckabee pointed out that his campaign has spent about $1 to the other candidate's $10, and he mentioned that his frugality would be beneficial to the country if he was to be elected president.

During his speech, Huckabee addressed hot issues that have been up for debate during the race for the White House. He seeks support from values voters and told spectators that he is the only candidate to stand by a human life amendment as well as a federal marriage amendment. He also voiced his stance against embryonic stem cell research.

"Now those are issues that I think bring together the value voters like nothing else," he said. "The people who say this is about principle and that's the only reason that they're involved -- they endorse me. And I'll accept that as a validation of standing for the things that I believe most people in Texas stand for."

Huckabee also spoke against illegal immigration."I thank God we live in a country where people are trying to break into and not out of," he said. "Our government has a responsibility to us to control our borders. We're the only country that hasn't."

Huckabee promised voters that if he is America's next President, he would order the construction of a border fence that would be complete within 18 months.

Huckabee also pointed out that he was the only candidate in the race that had experience running a government. He served just over 10 years as the 44th governor of Arkansas before seeking to be the 44th President of the United States.

Huckabee also said that the country is in need of tax code reform. He proposed what he called "The Fair Tax," where people's paychecks aren't taxed until they spend money. He said that this would get rid of the "underground economy," meaning that drug smugglers, prostitues and illegal immigrants could no longer get away with evading taxes.

Huckabee believes that the United States can become energy independent, and that that could be accomplished by using something the Panhandle has a lot of.

"Wind has great potential for power," he said.

When Huckabee visited Amarillo, he was still hopeful that he would take Texas and be continue in the race. He said that Texas, the largest Republican voting state in the country, would play a key role in the future of the election.

"This election is not over until Texas says its over," he said.

Huckabee noted that Texans can be "stubbornly independent," and hoped that would work to his advantage Tuesday.

Amanda Lightfoot attended the event with her grandfather, AC photography instructor Ken Pirtle.
"I just turned 18 and I registered to vote. It's my first year to vote," she said.

Lightfoot said she would vote for Huckabee in the primary. "I'm a republican, but I don't support John McCain.

"I just love to hear that guy speak," Pirtle said. "He's so eloquent in a brilliant way. He first gained my respect as a debator, but what I really like about Huckabee is his conservative stand on the issues."

During the time he spent in the race, Huckabee said he enjoyed being the underdog.

"I love being the underdog because it makes victory so much sweeter when it finally comes," Huckabee said. "I've always been an underdog in everything I've ever set about in my life so it's a role that I know how to play. What I don't know how to play is the favorite."

Although Huckabee's victory never came, he did carry 236 delegates before Sen. McCain won the 1,191 delegates needed to get the Republican nomination.

In Tuesday's Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton won Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. Barack Obama won Vermont. Both of those candidates are still in the race.

Up close and personal with Kevimean

photo courtesy of myspace.com/kevimean


Taking a break from the stage and feeling like a whole new band

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Some people blow off steam by playing sports or going to the club, but local three-piece Kevimean gets down every Friday night in their bedroom-sized practice room preparing to play shows that rock Amarillo.

"We get through our week knowing that there's an exclamation point at the end," said drummer and lead singer Jason Burt.

Although they haven't played since the Brian Deneke Memorial Festival in December and don't plan to play again until late February or March, Kevimean has a lot going on. The boys are currently taking a break from the stage to focus on learning new music.

Bassist Ryan Putman is looking forward to a fresh beginning, but noted that the band will still take old requests from the audience.

"It gets old for us to play the same songs over and over and it just makes it more interesting," he said.Putman is a long-time friend of Burt. Kevimean formed in 2002 after they met lead guitarist Steven "Stevo" Galan who, according to Burt, was itching to do something with his life. They began writing songs their first practice.

"It was awesome. I knew it was right the first night we played," Galan said.

Burt also was pleased with the trio.

"We're so good together as three. I know what each of us has to offer. We have so much to offer, and we have so much fun doing it," he said.

Kevimean took their name from Burt's brother, Kevin, who passed away in 1997.

"Sometimes our music gets kind of mean, kind of dark," Burt said.

The name also is meant to sound like the animal tranquilizer ketamine.

Today the band counts themselves as brothers.

"We just kind of feed off of each other," Putman said. "We play for fun. In 2008, we're probably up to about a two-hour set."

Galan said the new set includes a diverse mix of covers and originals. Kevimean likes to mix things up, playing everything from heavy metal to jazz, blues and even rap.

"We've taken on a new approach. The covers we've taken on are probablycovers that no one else
has taken on in town," Galan said.

The break has provided an opportunity for growth in the band.

"It's pushed us out of our comfort zone," Putman said.

The band's creativity is being rejuvenated, and Kevimean says the audience will see that at their shows. "You can see everybody revived, so it's nice," Galan said. "We feel like we're a new band almost."

Kevimean plays well with others. "We like to share the stage with people who like music and are serious about it," Putman said.

According to Galan, the next thing on the agenda is making a recording. Until then, get a taste of Kevimean at myspace.com/kevimean. Also keep checking The Scene event calendar for show dates.

SNEAK PEEK: Go to Kevimean's upcoming shows to hear the obscure three-piece play covers by

the Deftones, Tom Petty, Ween, Cracker and more. Also, request original rap/metal song "Saturday"

Seeking out bargains is key for thrifty shopping

Photo from amarillo.com

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.ac-ranger.com/

Budgeting money is something most college students struggle with, but knowing where to shop can help.

"Everyone is looking for a good deal no matter how much money they have," said Joseph Ramirez, owner of Got Junk Thrift Store, located at 522 SW 16th Avenue.

Ramirez understands first hand that one man's trash can be another man's treasure. "I grew up really poor," he said. "Thrift stores were a way for me to get the things I needed and some of the things I wanted."

Ramirez said he will box up people's junk free of charge to sale in Got Junk. He tries to keep his one of a kind store fun by appealing to a younger crowd.

"We get a lot of younger people," he said.

Besides Got Junk's every day bargains, each Monday the store offers all items for half price. "I found this is more of a hobby for people. It's an outlet. It's therapy," Ramirez said.

By shopping at thrift stores, college students can quench their shopping habits without putting a huge dent in their savings account. Thrift stores provide a variety of items including books, shoes, appliances, furniture, clothing, jewelry and toys.

People go thrift store shopping for different reasons. Local shopper Candace Campbell chose to browse through the clothing racks at America's Best Thrift & Discount, located at 1600 Washington Street, when looking for a pair of white hospital scrubs.

"I start my CNA class on Monday so I have to find white scrubs," she said. Although she doesn't usually shop at thrift stores, Campbell found what she was looking for. "I come here when I don't want to spend a lot of money," she said.

Local resident Patty Brown frequents thrift stores in Amarillo. She referred to herself as the "thrift store queen" while scavenging through the aisles of Thrift Town at 10th and Monroe. Brown shops at thrift stores for a different reason than most.

"This is my job and I resale things on the Internet," she said. Brown said she collects $700 to $1,000 per week reselling items she finds at bargain prices.

Not only can college students save big while shopping at thrift stores, they also can earn extra cash by starting an online business reselling used items. Brown hits garage sales on the weekends in search of resalable items, keeping an observant eye out for anything Italian. "Italian brands sell really well," she said.

Surgical Technology major Carlee Garst buys groceries at Panhandle Salvage Grocery Store, located at 5811 S. Western Street. "Panhandle Salvage is the best for cheap food," she said. "Everything's on a budget. We pay our bills and we have $80 left over for gas and groceries so we have to split that to make sure we get everything covered."

Garst also turns to the Sunday paper to cut out coupons.

"I probably save about $50 every two weeks with coupons and shopping at thrift stores," she said.

When shopping at any store, looking at the bargain racks first is a helpful hint when it comes to being resourceful.

Business Administration major Sabina Domagala said she makes the clearance racks a priority when shopping.

"I shop on the clearance racks first then I look at the more expensive items," she said.

Domagala has another piece of advice for ladies who like to shop.

"Take a guy and have him pay for it," she said.

Shopping online is another way to save money. There are many bargains to be found in cyber space, it just takes browsing to find them.

English major Staci Hayes is a frequent online shopper.

"That's pretty much the only way I shop besides clearance racks," she said.

Hayes takes advantage of Web sites that offer free shipping.

"The other day I bought a three dollar bikini top with free shipping," Hayes said. "Wal-Mart online is really cool because you can look at the stuff they don't have at their store. They ship it to the store and then you can pick it up there, so it's always free shipping."

Some of Hayes' other favorite online shopping spots include Old Navy and American Eagle.

"I shop at Old Navy because they have $5 shipping and they have clearance stuff that you can't find in the stores," she said. "American Eagle sends you coupons in your email so you can get all their clearance shirts for three to six dollars."

Regardless of a student's financial situation, Crown Financial Ministries recommends slating a budget because it can be a beneficial strategy to staying out of debt. Students can figure up what they spend on rent, utilities, car payment, insurance, gasoline, laundry, savings and other expenses.

"I always write everything down. I figure how much each check is going to be and how much we have to spend on bills and then how much we're going to have left for anything else," Garst said. "If you budget everything it's a lot easier I found out. You don't get your account overdrawn."

By comparing what is spent each month on bills and other necessities to the student's total income, what's left can be used to treat oneself to a shopping spree at their favorite store.

Hellyeah to return to Amarillo December 16

** Editor's Note ** I was among the many local fans that purchased a ticket to the Hellyeah, Otep and Bloodsimple show November 20. I, like many others,was pretty upset when the announcement was made minutes before the doors to the concert opened that the show had been cancelled. After much deliberation, I decided it would be worth a shot to try to speak with the band and give them a chance to explain more in depth to their fans what was going on. I went to the tour buses, parked outside of the Midnight Rodeo where the gig was scheduled to take place. I saw a man walk from one bus to another, and then he disappeared. When he came back out, a friend and I approached him and discovered that he was Tommy Maxwell, rhythm guitarist for Hellyeah. He was in search of a lighter to spark up his cigarette. I gave him a light, and he hung out with us in the freezing cold for the next few minutes, eager to get the word out as to why the show was canceled and when it would return to Amarillo.

Hellyeah to return to Amarillo December 16
By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Hellyeah was scheduled to play with special guests Otep and Bloodsimple at the Midnight Rodeo November 20, but much to the disappointment of fans, the show was canceled because of circulating rumors that lead guitarist Greg Tribbett, also an existing member of Mudvayne, had injured his shoulder.

According to rhythm guitarist Tom Maxwell, made famous by his lead guitar role in Nothingface, Tribbett has tendonitis in his left arm,which made him unable to play the gig.

"His arm was hurting really bad. If one goes, we all go," Maxwell said.

Hellyeah made plans to return to the Panhandle December 16. "Sorry, we'll make it up for you next time," Maxwell said to fans who spent nearly $30 for tickets to the show.

Maxwell also spoke enthusiastically about the coming together of heavy metal supergroup Hellyeah, which presents a brilliant mixture of Mudvayne, Damageplan, Pantera and Nothingface. He said that he and Chad Gray, another member of Mudvayne, greatly contributed to making the idea happen.

Although Hellyeah has experienced some changes since its official forming in 2006, the band continues to rock out all over the country and are currently playing out their 'Balls, Volume, Strength' tour.

Hellyeah original bassist Jerry Montano, made famous in Nothingface, left the band under what Maxwell hinted to be bad terms.

"Here's my quote for Jerry," Maxwell said. "Enemy."

Bobzilla, formerly of Damageplan and good friend of Hellyeah and former Damageplan and Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, took over the role as bassist.

Hellyeah released their debut self-titled album in April. Included on the song list is a track titled "Thank You," which is a dedication to Gray's grandmother, Maxwell's mother, Dimebag Darrell Abbott (Vinnie Paul's brother who was gunned down on stage during a Damageplan show in 2004) and "everyone else who has lost someone," Maxwell said during his interview with the Scene.

For more information on the ticket situation, contact Front Gate tickets by visiting frontgatetickets.com.

2-day event to mark the 10th anniversary of Brian Deneke's death and contribute to the National Deneke Memorial

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Brian Deneke never imagined when he signed Shelly Singleton's freshman yearbook as "the most famous kid in school" that he one day would become just that.

Singleton befriended Deneke on the first day of sixth grade at Crockett Middle School on the grounds that they were both different.

"Brian tried to be friends with everybody," she said.December 12 will mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Deneke, a local punk who Singleton described as "the heartbeat of the scene."

Deneke was ran over and killed by Dustin Camp in the Western Plaza parking lot at the age of 19 in a conflict between two social groups: "punks" and "preps." Since Deneke's death in 1997, the incident has gained nation-wide coverage by outlets such as the Leeza Show, Dateline 20/20, MTV, A&E City Confidential, Texas Monthly, Punk Planet Magazine, the New York Times and more. His story has even been placed in textbooks for social studies classes.

Deneke is remembered by friends and family as a happy-go-lucky, likeable guy who loved to skateboard.

"I don't think I ever saw him in a bad mood," Singleton said. "You could not be around him and be in a bad mood."

Festivals will be held in approximately 30 different cities in Deneke's honor on the weekend of December 7 and 8. The Amarillo event will take place at the Nat Ballroom, located at 604 S. Georgia Street. The two-day happening will be a B.Y.O.B. event with live music and will serve as a time of unity in Brian's memory. Admission will be $5 each night.

Fifty percent of the National proceeds will go to the National Organization for Parents of Murdered Children.

"The other 50 percent of each city event proceeds will go to a chosen local organization to help change their own communities, to fight prejudice, violence, injustice and the like," The National Deneke Memorial Myspace reports.

Friends and family of Brian believe this is what he would want.

"He was very into helping people," Singleton said as she recalled how Brian would cook food and feed it to homeless people at parks.

Brian Deneke's father, Mike, finds the nation-wide response to be "overwhelming" and "surprising," and has recognized an attitude from some people to let the tragedy rest after ten years. But Brian's story has taken on a life of it's own.

"We didn't organize this. We didn't even know. So many people can relate to what happened. I think that's why the story keeps going. It touches people," Mike Deneke said.

"Brian's still a part of us," said Betty Deneke, Brians mother.

Mike Deneke believes that there are a lot of lessons to be learned from Brian's story, and the festival will help to shine a light on that.

"There's lots of lessons," he said. "There are unintended consequences to actions. There was also a lot of alcohol involved. That could be another lesson. But also respect for individuality and people. You don't have to agree, but treat others as you would want to be treated."

Brian's brother, Jason Deneke, said he misses the simplicity of "just hanging out" with his little brother. He also hopes that the nation-wide events will circulate a message to others.

"I just hope it raises some awareness and teaches people a little bit of tolerance," he said.

Brian Deneke's parents admitted that they were not particularly thrilled when Brian came home sporting a green Mohawk, but they noted that he was a free spirit. Betty Deneke remembers the first time she found out that Brian had a tattoo, and she laughs about it now.

"I found out he had a tattoo when I took him to the doctor's office for a broken collarbone," she said.

Although the Deneke's all agree that it doesn't feel like it's been ten years since Brian's death, they have learned to cope with the situation.

"We just had to kind of move on. You can let it eat you up and it can destroyyour life. Brian wouldn't have wanted that," Mike Deneke said.

Betty Deneke said her faith helped her through the loss of her son.

"It was the only thing that kept me going," she said.

Mike Deneke agreed. "What helped us get beyond the anger and the hatred was the idea of forgiveness," he said.

For more information about Brian's story or the upcoming events, visitwww.myspace.com/nationaldenekememorial or http://www.briandeneke.org/.

Local museum is free and open to the public

photo courtesy of www.amarilloart.org

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

The Amarillo Museum of Art has been adding color to the lives of people in the Golden Spread for forty years.

According to AMOA executive director Graziella Marchicelli, the arts are important in all of our lives regardless of economical or educational background.

"The arts do more than just decorate your home. The arts are much broader and have a much deeper meaning than we give it credit for," she said.

The mission of the museum is to "provide quality visual arts programming to the residents of the Texas Panhandle, eastern New Mexico and western Oklahoma through collections, temporary exhibitions, educational programming, preservation and research."

The AMOA holds exhibitions, art classes and special events for the community on a regular basis.On the third Thursday of every month, AMOA holds an event called "Third Thursdays." It is in collaboration with Starbuck's Coffee and includes live music, children's activities, art based lessons for the entire family and coffee tasting.

The events are held at the museum, located on the northeast corner of the Amarillo College Washington Street campus, and are free to the public.

Those who attend Third Thursdays can go on tours of current exhibitions, and the museum usually shows a film or documentary. Activities start at 6 p.m. and run until 9. The next Third Thursday event will be held October 18.

"We are more than just a place for pretty objects," Marchicelli said.

At the last Third Thursday event held on September 20, the museum introduced the "Art-o-mat." It is a refurbished cigarette machine that was custom designed for the AMOA. Five dollar tokens can be purchased at AMOA to be used in the Art-o-mat. The machine dispenses miniature pieces of original artwork by various international artists. There are only three of these machines in Texas.

Currently running at AMOA is an exhibition called The Face of India: Photographs of Donald M. Robinson.

"Through his lens he shows us the social contradictions in India and disparities within the country from the congestion of elephants and buggies on the main street to the quiet, majestic palaces of the maharajas," the AMOA Web site reports.

"It was a pleasure and a privilege to discover India," Robinson said. "The experience afforded me unparalleled photographic opportunities.

"The Face of India exhibition will run at the museum through October 21. For more information about the museum and the exhibition, visit www.amarilloart.org.

Other exhibitions running at AMOA are Syncopated Rhythm: the Collage of Lance Letscher and Dante Marioni: Form – Color -Pattern. These exhibitions will run until October 28.

Marchicelli encourages people to take advantage of visiting the free-to-the-public museum.

"Art is an intuitive part of who we are as human beings," she said.

The AMOA currently is looking for volunteers for Third Thursdays. Anyone interested should call the museum at 371-5050.

Museum Hours:Tues - Fri ... 10-5 p.m.
Thur... 10-9 p.m.
Sat - Sun ... 1-5 p.m.

Location: 2200 S. Van Buren, Amarillo, Texas 79109
Mailing Address: PO Box 447, Amarillo, Texas 79178
Phone: 806-371-5050
Fax: 806-373-9235
Email: amoa@actx.eduwww.amarilloart.org

Local BMX freestyle rider soars to top

Duke Dustman performs a stunt on his bike.

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Eighteen-year-old Duke Dustman knows what it means to overcome obstacles. He experienced the loss of his father at the age of 14, and he didn't graduate from high school. He never imagined he would be where he is today.

"I started riding. It kept me from doing bad things. It keeps me happy," Dustman said.

Dustman started out watching freestyle bikers perform stunts on TV. Today, a few broken bones and injuries later, he has three sponsors that help him excel in the sport.

Outdoor Elements Sports and Torn are the local businesses that support Dustman by donating equipment and monetary needs for his endeavors. Black Eye Bikes out of Colorado also provides support.

Dustman began progressing in the world of freestyle biking when his friend, Adam Cossey, opened an indoor skate park in Amarillo.

"He's picked up quicker than anybody I've seen. In three years he's done what most kids try to accomplish in 10," Cossey said of Dustman's accomplishments.

After spending time at Cossey's skate park, Dustman entered a contest with the New Mexico Xtreme Sports Association where he landed first place in a freestyle competition. He was then flown to California to attend Camp Woodward, a BMX facility, where he received daily instruction for one week.

"That's an amazing place. It's like bike heaven," Dustman said.

Since then, Dustman has been involved in several competitions.

Among Dustman's favorite tricks to perform is the "tail whip."

"It's where I get off my bike in the air, spin the bike around and get back on it."

He also has mastered the art of doing back flips.

Dustman and a few of his bike buddies recently established their own freestyle team. Team EKUD has done a few shows around town.

"We want to do birthday parties and stuff like that," Dustman said.

Those interested in having Team EKUD perform at their event can reach Dustman at (806) 324-3633. Team EKUD is also on the lookout for someone to sponsor them in making clothing.

Dustman said his freestyle family keeps him encouraged on his journey, although he doesn't think it's going to be his career.

"Thanks to all my friends that ride with me and help me out through the hard times," he said.

To others desiring to get involved in BMX riding, Dustman offers advice.

"Get a bike," he said. "If kids want to get a bike, they can go to Outdoor Elements. They're really nice people."

Although Cossey's indoor skate park is no longer open, John Stiff Park in Amarillo has a free outdoor establishment open to the public.

Above all, Dustman encourages people pursuing freestyle biking to have a good time.

"Ride for fun. Don't take it seriously," he said.

Theatre expands, welcomes local talent

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Among the explosion of the local art scene is the Amarillo Repertory Theatre, located in Sunset Center. The theatre, commonly called "The Rep," was started one year ago by Shawn Martin and David Burton, and since then it has produced 13 shows, a majority of which have been written by local playwrights.

"The theatre itself has been going through a lot of growth," said artistic director Sirc Michaels.

The current show that The Rep is running is "Faust," which began on Halloween night and will repeat November 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m.

"This is the beginning of the first full-on season where we will be doing shows for adults and families," Michaels said.

Admission to the show is $5 for students and seniors and $10 for everyone else. Tickets can be purchased at the door."

"'Faust' is the classic story about a man who sells his soul to the devil for a chance to relive his youth, only to realize the folly of his actions all too late," said Michaels, who wrote the script.

Those who come to the production will enter the theatre through a creative set-up that appears to be the mouth of hell.

Another show running in November will be D Fever and Hank Robey on the 14th at 8 p.m.

According to Michaels, The Rep puts on a diverse selection of thought-invoking shows. He described some plays as family friendly fairy tales, while others "push the envelope."

"We're not just doing one type of show," he said. "We're trying to do provocative theatre … stuff that you wouldn't just see around town. Our whole thrust is to help cultivate performing arts in the Panhandle."

Michaels believes that theatre is "the common man's art."

"Our goal is to reach people who normally wouldn't go to the theatre," he said. "There's something very magical about the theatre. This is something that everyone should experience."

Going to the movies and attending live theatre are two completely different experiences according to Martin, who is the managing producer of The Rep.

"The country is currently enthralled with electronic stimulation," he said. "The medium of film has completely overtaken the entertainment industry so currently people don't even realize that they can be entertained enjoyably by live human beings."

Martin encourages people to give live theatre a chance.

"It's fun to be entertained by live people," he said. "Every theatre experience is brand new. If you come see the same show ten times, you will see ten different shows because of the human factor."

Contrary to popular belief, Michaels said theatre isn't just the stereotypical men in tights.

"It's varied, it's exciting and it can really charge a person in terms of their emotions," he said.

Because of lacking funds, the arts are commonly the first thing to be cut from public schools. Michaels said that one of the future goals of The Amarillo Repertory Theatre is to go into schools and tie shows into the curriculum. They also will host the Panhandle Playwrights Festival where writers in the area will have an opportunity to submit their work to be produced at The Rep. The deadline for submissions will be at the end of January. Six finalists will be chosen for live stage readings, one of which will get a production at the Repertory Theatre in May.

For more information, visit the group's Web site at http://www.art-in-amarillo.com/.

The Amarillo Repertory Theatre desires to work with local talent.

"We're really keen on working with groups," Michaels said.

The theatre invites those with an interest in acting to audition for shows and welcomes scripts from local writers. They also are willing to provide a venue to people in search of one.

Slamarillo, a group of slam poets in Amarillo, have made the theater their home venue for the past six months and perform on the last Saturday of every month at 8 p.m.

The Amarillo Repertory Theatre has a full season slated. To stay up-to-date with shows, visit the groups Web site or check out Myspace.com/amarep.

Route 66 Roller Derby League plans to start bouts in spring

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Roller derby is a sport that has fizzled in and out of popularity through the decades. It took off for the first time in the United States in the 1930s and has seen its ups and downs. With the emerging of the new millennium, however, the sport has made a big comeback. The once All-American past time is returning in a punk rock, rebellion extreme. The Women's Flat Track Derby Association was formed in 2004, and Amarillo is getting in on the action.

"I like that it is aggressive and it's for women. You don't find a whole lot of aggressive women sports," said Crystal Tabor, a skater in the Route 66 Roller Derby that was formed late last year. Tabor's skate mates call her "Sgt. Sass" on the track.

"The personal names are supposed to be kind of corny and fun," she said. "They're also supposed to represent something about you."

The Route 66 Roller Derby came to exist when Stephanie "Mia Sinner" Buchanan got together with what she calls "the original eight" at Denny's for coffee and hamburgers. They thought it would be a good idea to start a roller derby league in Amarillo. The league is now approximately 30 skaters strong, and Buchanan said she is not surprised with the derby's success.

"There's very limited choices for sports in Amarillo. It gives women who have a need for endurance an outlet," she said.

Heather "H-Bomb" Hoffsteader is a mother of 3 and works a full time job. She said she enjoys blowing off steam through roller derby.

"It's empowering, it's fun, it's a great stress release. We don't usually get that as women very often, especially in a physical sport," Hoffsteader said. "It's a great outlet and it's great to get to know new people, too."

The league consists of three teams: The Bonzai Brawlers, Deadly Dames and Piston Pinups. The teams bout with each other on the weekends and have not yet competed with other leagues, but plan on branching out when they start their second season in the spring.

Hoffsteader said the only thing keeping the league from competing is that they are in search of a venue.

"We have a couple of them in the works, but no one really has everything we need," Hoffsteader said. "We just can't wait to get started. We all wish we could start now, but we can't yet."
The Route 66 Roller Derby has become very active in the local community since its formation in November.

"Once our operating expenses have been covered, we plan to donate to local charities and have already been donating to charities such as The American Cancer Society & Goodwill. So, by supporting Route 66 Roller Derby, you will also be supporting people in need in our area," the group's Web site explains.

Hoffsteader said the derby is also working on doing something with the High Plains Food Bank around Thanksgiving.

The Route 66 Roller Derby is always looking for new roller girls and is also recruiting referees. Skaters must be women who are at least 18 years old. Health insurance is recommended but not required. Men and women are welcome to be refs. Those interested should contact the derby via e-mail at route66rollerderby@gmail.com.

A recruitment party is also in the works and will be held at Burberry's. Keep checking www.myspace.com/route66rollerderby for the official date.

"We have girls of all different shapes and sizes. It really gets your adrenaline going sometimes and it gets your heart rate up, too," Tabor said.

Buchanan said that even women who can't skate are welcome to join."We'll help you, we'll train you. You'll gain a family out of it. We are like family. We do everything together."

ROLLER DERBY: The Basics
** Roller blades are not allowed. All participants must wear quad skates.
** Two teams with 5 girls on each team skate in a formation around the track.
** One girl from each team called a "jammer" races around the track trying to make her way through the other team's girls.
** The girls use blocks, hits and pushes to stop the other team's jammer.

Femme art show to benefit local women's charity

By: Rachel Nelson

www.amarilloscene.com

A few years ago Lindsay London started taking small steps toward a big dream. She helped form an organization called Femme to celebrate Panhandle women in the arts. Its focus is to bring attention to under produced and underexposed artists living in the Amarillo area while benefiting a local women's charity.

Femme's third annual art show will take place August 18 in the Nat Ballroom.

"I'm very proud of this show," London said. "It started very small and last year we had over 350 people attend."

The doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show will begin at 9 p.m. It will cost $10 to enter, and 100 percent of proceeds will go toward benefiting a chosen charity. Although all artists and performers are women, everyone is welcome to come see the show.

"It's by no means limited to women," London said.

The all-ages event is B.Y.O.B., and wine and refreshments will be available.

Last year Femme generated $1,700 for the Downtown Women's Center. In 2005, $1,500 was raised for Martha's House.

"I think Femme is important because a lot of times women in the arts can go underexposed. I really love the fellowship of all the women getting together and creating an evening that is so eclectic," London said.

This year's show will consist of photography and art exhibits as well as performances from local female talent. Sahara Nar will put on a belly dancing performance, and the Whiskey Makin' Mamas will present a burlesque show. There will be various musicians and a slam poet. London said that performers throughout the years have ranged in age from 10 to 70, and it's not too late to get involved. Those interested in participating in the show should contact London by calling (806)433-2409.

"I think the femme show is necessary in the Panhandle because it helps women realize that they are just as appreciated in their art as men are, and it gives exposure to youthful and otherwise shy young women," said Megan McDaniel, a production designer for the show.
"It's always been a very exciting and fun event and I look forward to it every year," she said.

Guests From Around The World Drawn To Palo Duro Canyon's "Texas"

By Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Those visiting Palo Duro Canyon to see the legendary musical Texas will notice some big changes around the Pioneer Amphitheatre. Bobby Lee, co-owner of the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, has helped make renovations in the catering department.

According to Lee, in recent years the audience of Texas has declined, falling to numbers as low as 400 per night. "We started putting the 'T' back in Texas. It's all coming back to life," he said.

Upon arrival, visitors will notice the new beverage station where they can satisfy their thirst with iced tea or lemonade. Mister coolers have also been installed to help beat the summertime heat. Lee said the coolers provide a comfortable climate of 77 degrees while keeping insects away by running an extract from the root of an African plant through the misters. The repellant, Lee said, is non-toxic and keeps bugs away because they hate the smell of the root.

The previous food station has been closed so that the Big Texan can cater hot steaks off their custom-made rotating grill that spans seven-feet in diameter. Visitors dine outdoors in what Lee calls "the world's most beautiful dining room," which overlooks the Canyon. The Texas flag has been painted on top of the picnic tables in the dining area so that guests from around the world can get a true taste of the Lone Star State.

Lee sees the Big Texan's involvement in the project as a natural fit. "It's so important to give them a good show and hot food off the grill. They should leave telling themselves, 'I don't know which was better, the show or the food.'"

Phase one of the catering project was completed June 1. Lee said future plans include extending private areas for private functions for show nights as well as off nights.

Kris Dowd, a long-time Amarillo resident, said he has never taken the time to go and see Texas. "I've lived here all my life and I've never seen it and everyone else has seen it. The weather is great and the show is just opening. Plus, I'm from Texas, so it's part of my heritage." Dowd decided to go watch the show last month when his work, KAMR News Channel Four, gave him free tickets. "It's something you always hear about, but you don't go out of your way to check it out," he said.

Lee agreed that many Amarillo residents take the Canyon for granted, including himself. "This has been in my backyard my whole life," he said.

Lee said he hasn't seen"Texas since 1976 when he graduated from high school and urges local people to go out and see the show. "I find myself asking, 'Why did I never come to this? Why did I never come? Why not get an experience of what our area's all about?"

Lee said more people close to home are expected to attend Texas this year because high gas prices have put a damper on vacation plans. He also added that the annual showing of Texas has a big affect on Amarillo's economy. "When attendance is down down here, everyone in Amarillo feels it including hotels and restaurants," he said.

The catering isn't all that's new with–Texas. "We have a lot of new equipment from the lighting standpoint," said Brandon Mitchell, light designer for the show. "It's going to improve the quality of the lighting design. It's newer technology. We were using outdated stuff. This is one of the largest upgrades of lighting that's happened in years."

Last year a larger prairie fire was added with the installation of a propane fire system. "It's gonna be good and it's gonna be bigger and better than ever," Mitchell said.

House Manager Brett Burris said the Canyon Economic Development Committee donated $23,000 to upgrade the sound system at the amphitheatre.

Texas has switched back to its original script with a few modifications, Burris said. The gift shop also has been modified with the adding of the Texas Soda Shop, which offers frozen milkshakes.

"They'll have hand-scooped ice-cream, popsicles, ice cream sandwiches and more," Burris said.

Frances Krolczyk traveled to the Panhandle for the first time from Houston to see Texas. She called the show "hilarious," as it is laced with Texas humor.

"I've enjoyed the visit. Amarillo is beautiful. I'm proud I'm from Texas," she said. "I've never seen the Panhandle. That's the thing about Texas... there's a lot of things to see."

The show is presented in a natural wild west set-up.

"What a backdrop," Lee said when describing the set.

Texas also includes an exciting story line with enthusiastic performances from the cast. An award is given each night to the person who traveled the longest distance to see the show. On the night that Krolczyk visited the Canyon, there were 1,028 people in attendance, and a woman from India received the award.

The amphitheatre seats 1,800 people. Texas opened on June 4 and will continue showing every Tuesday through Saturday night until August 18. For more information about the show and ticket prices, visit http://www.texas-show.com/.

Burris said upcoming concerts are in the works for the amphitheatre."We will advertise it when it's all set in stone," he said.

Team Impact Crusade scheduled for Church at Quail Creek

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

According to Dr. Ed Young of Second Baptist Church in Houston, 1,200 decisions were made for Christ during four nights of a Team Impact Crusade at his church.

"If you are looking to make an impact for Jesus Christ in your community and in your church, then let me personally recommend Team Impact. This team of humble, hard-working guys has done their homework. They come prepared and let me tell you, they work hard," Young said.

Team Impact travels to churches, schools, military bases and other locations to perform amazing stunts including breaking stacks of bricks with their elbows, power lifting heavy weights and ripping phone books in half. In the midst of the intensity, they will present the Gospel message by giving personal testimonies and preaching the Word of God.

There are four chances left to see electrifying performances of strength, force and power from Team Impact in Amarillo. The group of body builders will appear nightly at The Church at Quail Creek, located at 801 Tascosa Road, tonight through Sunday at 7 p.m. Admission to the event is free and those who attend will have a chance to win door prizes such as an XBOX 360, iPOD Video, LCD TV, PlayStation 3 and a Six Flags vacation.

Many Churches have seen the lives of their congregations changed during Team Impact Crusades. Their Web site, www.team-impact.com, said the group has learned that if they can get the crowd's attention, they will listen to what the team has to say.

"Our unique style of ministry uses the gifts of elite athletes performing feats of strength that demand attention. The appeal is nearly irresistible,especially for those who would normally never attend church," the Web site explains. "While the method may be different, the message remains the same -Salvation through grace through faith in Jesus Christ."

Other churches that say they have experienced the move of the Holy Spirit through Team Impact strongly recommend the technique for church and personal revival.

"I've enjoyed getting to know the guys at Team Impact over the last several years. Obviously these are great men of physical strength and stature, but what I like the most about them, what I really love about these guys, is their great strength for Christ and their heart for God," said Dr. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.

Graham said the Team Impact crusade is the most effective method of evangelism the church has ever seen.

All ages are encouraged to go to the show. For more information, visit team-impact.com or call The Church at Quail Creek at 806-358-7681.

A Need For Speed

Local singles take a new approach to dating

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

The busyness of life can sometimes leave little time for doing the things oneenjoys, so dating on the go is gaining popularity. Amarillo representative Sharee Lamphere of Cupid.com says pre-dating, also known as speed dating, isideal for local singles desiring to meet new people.

"It's a great way to meet people that you wouldn't normally meet, and it's safer than meeting people online," she said. "It's not necessarily the bar scene – it's a little more classy than the bar scene. We promote classy eventsand there's no pressure."

People who participate in speed dating have the opportunity to speak with several prospective matches in one night by spending a short amount of time with each person.

"The ladies sit down and the men rotate every six minutes. You'd be surprised to know that you can tell if you want to talk to a person a second time or not," Lamphere said.

"I think it was the perfect amount of time to where you could meet someone and get to know them and know whether or not you want to talk to them anymore,"said Stephanie Steelman, a local single who tried speed dating. "You'd be surprised how much information you can get in six minutes."

Steelman recently moved to Amarillo from Beaumont and decided to try pre-dating to meet people in the local area. Although she admits that it took a lot of nerve to try speed dating, Steelman said she is glad she had the extra push to help her come out of her shell.

"I think everybody should give it a try just one time just to say you did it.It's not going to hurt you, and you never know, you might meet someone worth seeing," she said.

Steelmain said she met three men through pre-dating that she would consider talking to more.

"If it wasn't for this, I would never have met them. Because of what they do for a living and what I do for a living, we would have never crossed paths,"she said.

According to Lamphere, each person that participates in a pre-dating event can make notes on a "match card." If two people mutually decide they want to talk a second time or go on a real date, they can make contact through Cupid.com.

Lamphere also offers the single match guarantee for one event to those who don't match with anybody. "Then you can come to the next one for free," she said.

For each event that is held, there is an age margin so that the people mingling are around the same age group. According to Lamphere, the age group that tends to be the most interested in speed dating ranges from 27 to 39 years old, but an event will be hosted in June that will invite a younger audience.

Dustin Cantrell is a 22-year-old single who said he looks forward to attending the event.

"I like to meet new people," he said. "I'm not looking to get married next week or anything like that. If it goes somewhere else then it does, and if not then you may have a new friend."

Cantrell said he sees the advantages to speed dating."If it's going bad, you only have a few minutes with them so it's not like you have to cut the date off early or anything like that. Where else are you going to find 10 other people looking to have fun and go on a date? Where else can you do that?" he said.

Lamphere said Cupid.com's pre-dating service aims to recruit professionals to participate in the events in order to weed out potential duds.

"We try to encourage people who have careers; people who aren't living at home with mom and dad; people who have ambition," she said. "It's a perfect way to meet people who are in the same boat whether they have been divorced or they just went full force into their career and now they've decided that they want to do the family thing."

There are opportunities in upcoming months to get a taste of this growing trend.All single professionals ages 35 to 45 are invited to join in at Marty's Dining and Entertainment May 15 at 7 p.m. Bourbon Street Café will host anevent for the 45 to 59 age group at 6 p.m. It costs $35 to those who registerat least two days in advance. Registration is held online at www.pre-dating.com. It will cost $40 for those who register later.

The event for the younger age group will be held at Café Bella June 13 at 7 p.m. It will cost $25 to those who register before June 11 and $30 afterwards.

"I think it's definitely reasonable," Cantrell said. "That'd be a dinner somewhere with one person. A night out on the town is going to cost a lot more than that, and you're meeting more than just one person."

For more information, visit www.cupid.com/predating or e-mail amarillo@predating.com.

Susan Gibson to return to 'Wide Open Spaces'

By: Rachel Nelson

www.ac-ranger.com

Amarillo College alumni Susan Gibson will return to the wide open spaces she once called home Saturday.

Gibson wrote one of the songs that helped the Dixie Chicks become famous.

"I love going back up there. Not to be cheesy, but that's where the wide open spaces are. Amarillo has the most beautiful sunsets," Gibson said.

Gibson will perform the song "Wide Open Spaces" with the Palo Duro Metro Chorus as they present "Under Panhandle Skies" at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Then Gibson's band will play a set.

"I'm looking forward to the gig," she said.

Natalie Stephenson has been involved with the Palo Duro Metro Chorus for 32 years. She also looks forward to the performance.

"Susan's a delight to sing with," Stephenson said. "She's very down-to-earth, very gracious and so easy to get along with and to perform with. We get to be her backup on 'Wide Open Spaces,' and we're so excited."

Stephenson said the Palo Duro Metro Chorus does an annual show in the fall.

"We've been working for this ever since last spring," she said.

Other performers at the event will include Keith Reimer from McLean, a double quartet called B-8, a quartet called Star Struck and a gentleman's quartet called Dynomite.

Tickets to the event are available from Panhandle Tickets and at United Supermarkets. They also may be obtained at Randy's Music Mart in Amarillo and the WT Event Center in Canyon. Ten percent of the net revenue from the performance will be donated to Hospice Care of the Southwest.

Gibson moved to Amarillo when she was in the eighth grade and attended Bonham Middle School. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1990. She spent two years at West Texas A&M University and two semesters at AC. In the fall of 1993, Gibson packed her things and headed to forestry school in Montana.

During her time at AC, Gibson accidentally took a Greek class."I thought it was conversational Greek, but it wasn't. It was translating Bible Greek. It was very interesting," she said.

Eventually, Gibson was satisfied that she had signed up for the class. What she learned still is benefiting her today, she said.

"I make my living with words," she said. "It was important to me as a writer to choose how I use these words. That class really helped me give conscious thought to choose my words carefully. I think that's an important lesson for any kind of writer."

Gibson said AC was a good bridge for her to get ready to move to Montana.

"A lot of the friends I have in Amarillo, I met at AC," she said.

Her first Christmas home from Montana, Gibson scribbled a few words down in a notebook, never imagining that the pen strokes she was making would make her house payment one day.

"I distinctly remember writing the lyrics to 'Wide Open Spaces,'" she said. "I absent-mindedly left the notebook on my mom's kitchen table."

A few weeks later, Gibson's mother mailed her a care package of the things she had left in Amarillo on her stay. The notebook was among the items. Once Gibson re-read the lyrics that she had jotted down, she put them to some music she had been strumming out on her guitar.

"My mom's care package was a gentle reminder that I wouldn't have got to go out on my own near as much if it wasn't for that care package," she said.

A band she played with in Amarillo for six years, the Groobies, also started Gibson on her road to success. Lloyd Maines, father to Dixie Chicks member Natalie Maines, produced the Groobies' records.

"When we recorded our first record, called Wayside, it had 'Wide Open Spaces' on there and he gave it to Natalie because she had just started singing with the Dixie Chicks," Gibson said.

Once the Dixie Chicks got their hands on the song and played it for a few live audiences, they knew it was a success. They chose it to be one of 12 to go on their first album.

Gibson now lives on a quiet piece of land in Wayside, between San Antonio and Austin.

"I was looking to move closer to the Austin area, because there's a lot of music around here," she said.

Gibson now finds herself in a network of musicians.

"The musicians are its own community, and we share what we know about what we know," she said. "It's kind of like a family."

Gibson is not married and lives with her dog and two cats.

"I feel like I'm about as settled down as I'm going to get," she said. "I love playing - I sure love to play."

Gibson has advice for everyone pursuing a dream.

"It fell together like shuffling a deck of cards," she said. "It's so out of my hands. Do what you would do, and wait for the rest of the world to catch onto you."

LG's new phone to stop drunk dialing

By: Rachel Nelson

www.ac-ranger.com

Cell phones were invented to make phone calls, right? Today they serve many functions. From playing games and instant messaging to surfing the Web and taking pictures, who would have guessed cell phone technology ever would come this far?

Manufacturers in Korea upped the ante last year when they introduced the LG breathalyzer phone. When these gadgets hit the U.S. later this year, cell phones will serve one more purpose: a handy sobriety test in your pocket.

The invention gained tremendous popularity in Korea, especially among younger crowds.

More than 200,000 of the models have been sold in Korea, according to www.news.com, and probably will spread like wildfire in North America as well.

How does it work? There is a tiny hole located on the side of the phone that a tipsy person can easily blow into. If the alcohol level is over the legal limit of 0.08, an animation pops up of a car swerving into a cone. That tells the partier it is not safe to drive.

Not only does the built-in breathalyzer serve as a friendly reminder not to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, it also fights against drunk dialing. The device can be programmed to not allow a user to dial certain numbers -especially exes - when the operator has had too much to drink. This feature could prevent embarrassing yourself when you're in a drunken stupor.

Keep your eyes peeled for this genius invention. It may keep you out of some sobering situations.