Posted January 14, 2017
First Lady Michelle Obama’s famous “we go high” statement pretty much sums up the Taos community’s plans for the coming week, which culminates in the inauguration of the 45th president of the U.S.A. on Friday January 20.
Here are the inauguration-related and inauguration stress-relieving events happening in Taos this week.
INAUGURATION DAY, January 20
We Go High: Alternative Inauguration Day Gathering
Taos Plaza, 10:00am – noon
Love-in. Human Be-in. Occupy Taos Plaza. Turn off the TV, take an early lunch break, and join your neighbors on the Plaza while the inauguration happens in DC.
This community gathering will look toward the coming four years with openness, justice, compassion. EmCee’d by Ted Wiard (Golden Willow Retreat Center), with music, readings, participatory art making with Terrie Mangat, group meditation, prayer, and sharing by people from the Taos community. Bring your vision for the next four years. Bring an artwork or a poem. Schedule a few minutes on stage: 575-770-6392.
We The People Anti-inauguration Concert
OptiMysm, 129 Kit Carson Rd, 6:00-9:00pm
Banjo Billy, Rachael Penn, Tara Somerville and David Hinske will offer an evening of Political, Uplifting, Traditional Folksongs and Cathartic tunes to bring our community together and to lift each other up. Bring a potluck dish to share. $5 suggested donation, all proceeds will be donated to the ACLU. 10% of sales at Optimysm will also be donated to the ACLU.
And throughout the week, here are other Taos gatherings relating to national politics.
Sunday, January 15
Writers Resist
SOMOS Salon on Civic Plaza Drive, 4:00-6:00pm
A free event though donations are appreciated.
SOMOS is collaborating with PEN America, an organization that champions freedom of expression and the power of language to transform the world. PEN America is sponsoring a flagship event in NYC on this day, held on the steps of the New York Public Library. In solidarity with the New York event, Taos writers will read from their own work and/or from readings from the Constitution, along with a selection of diverse writers’ voices throughout history that speak to the ideals of Democracy.
Tuesday-Sunday, January 17 – 22
4th Annual Not Forgotten Outreach Week
Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley thanks the men and women of the Armed Services. Active duty military, Gold Star families, veterans and any family member with a military ID can come ski for $30/day. Free rentals and discounted group ski and snowboard lessons will also be available for all active duty military, Gold Star families, veterans and immediate family members.
Wednesday, January 18
2017 Winter Writers Series: Jones/Ullman/Nordhaus
SOMOS Salon on Civic Plaza Drive, 7:00pm
$5 members, $8 general
Three extraordinary, articulate women read their diverse work:
Hettie Jones is the author of 23 books for children and adults and currently teaches graduate writing at The New School and memoir workshops at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Poet Jean Nordhaus earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Barnard College and a PhD in German literature from Yale University. She is the author of four books of poetry. Leslie Ullman has taught at University of Texas -El Paso as a Professor of Creative Writing for 27 years. She is the author of four collections of poetry.
Thursday, January 19
An Evening with Judy Collins
Taos Community Auditorium, 7:30pm
$85. Meet-and-greet with preferred seating, $125
Mollydog Productions presents Judy Collins, social activist, singer, songwriter. Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals for more than 50 years, with hits including Both Sides Now and Send in the Clowns. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.
Saturday, January 21
Women’s March on Washington: Santa Fe
New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Many Taos residents will caravan to Santa Fe to show solidarity with the march in DC. “To stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families—recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
See all art events in Taos at TaosArtCalendar.com
See community events throughout northern New Mexico