Photo: Lee Ingram

Photo: Lee Ingram

Photo: Lee Ingram

Photo: Lee Ingram

Photo: Lee Ingram

The Upper Valley is cooler... temperature wise too... than the rest of the region but it hasn’t cooled off that much. In fact, it seems that the sizzling summer doesn’t want to end... but that’s a good thing. The Desert Botanical Garden’s Sizzlin’ Summer Nights series of performances had one more sizzlin’ night as the curtain closed on one incredible summer of entertainment. And the series ending was very apropos... ending with... well, something very hot and spicy.

“Some Like it Hot - Mariachi Madness”, the last hot performance, sizzled into the evening and brought the sounds of great authentic Mariachi music to the Upper Valley. The 8-piece Mariachi Frontera performed for a very appreciative crowd of over 150 with some asking how to contact the band for future gigs.

The word "mariachi" originated in the souther part of the state of Jalisco in Mexico and refers to the musicians now commonly seen in restaurants or strolling the streets, playing a variety of instruments which include violins, guitars, basses, vihuelas (a 5 string guitar) and trumpets. For this reason it is understandable that tequila and mariachi blend so well.

No popcorn this time. It was all in keeping with the theme. Burritos and plenty of salsa heated things up even further. Again... a good thing.

When you think of hot summer nights, Mexican food and Mariachi music, you almost have to include something to cool you off. Well, in this part of the world that something is “Margaritas”... did anyone say "Tequila". So there were plenty of sweet and tangy Maragritas flowing for the adults in the crowd.

All in all, a tremendous inaugural season for the Desert Botanical Gardens which is part of the Keystone Heritage Site. Hats off to the members and Boards of the Junior League, the Rotary Club and the Keystone Heritage Site.

Upcoming events at the Botanical Garden are:

Hands on Self-Defense Course for the Unarmed Women in October. Autumn/Halloween Fest details yet to be announced. (Will be in Upper Valley Beacon calendar as soon as dates are avialable.)

For more information about upcoming events, or to inquire about having an event at the Garden, contact the Junior League of El Paso at 915-584-3511.

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Editor, Upper Valley Beacon

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