MUSICIANS JANEY KATZ - Zia Publishing

above: Pottery workshopssponsored by MRAC includethe famed potters of Mata Ortiz,Mexico. above, right: JamesEdd and Debbie Hughs chatwith Michael Metcalf at LoisDuffy Gallery during Weekendat the Galleries. opposite, top:Grant County Mural Project.opposite, bottom: MicheleBooth provides entertainmentat Lois Duffy Gallery.Dianne Hamilton and City Councilor Steve May. Present-day MRAC Executive DirectorFaye McCalmont notes that many newcomers get involved with the arts council as soonas they unpack.“It’s exciting to watch,” she says, “I enjoy drawing people in so they see the value of thisorganization and become willing to put their energy into supporting the arts.”Faye’s own involvement with the arts council dates back to the very first Silver CityBlues Festival in 1996. At the time, however, it wasn’t planned as a festival, simply anindoor evening of blues. When the venue didn’t work out, the event was moved to GoughPark with free admission.“It was freezing that day. It was so cold that people brought sleeping bags,” she recalls.“There were maybe 200 people in the audience.”Now one of the most renowned blues fests in the country, the yearly event drawsthousands. This year’s festival will kick off with a street dance Friday, May 26th, featuringBrandon Perrault and talented Cobre High School singer Maggie Garcia.* Phil Guy,brother of blues legend Buddy Guy, showcases the Saturday lineup in one of his first gigssince the release of his new album, He’s My Blues Brother. Harry Manx, a Mohan Veenaplayer and favorite from last year’s folk series, performs on Sunday, followed by 75-yearoldfolk blues legend Odetta.50 – SILVER CITY LIFE