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Native Gardens
Given that this is the gardening issue, it seems appropriate to start out with an encouragement to go check out FUSION Theatre Company’s newest play, Native Gardens by Karen Zacarias. Described as “a true breath of comedic fresh air,” the follows two sets of neighbors who engage in a clash, both cultural and horticultural, over the placement of a controversial garden fence. Opening night is Thursday, March 27 at 7 p.m. But get there early as opening night features a pre-show reception. The show runs through April 6, with shows at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and a 3 p.m. matinee on Sundays. Tickets are $20 to $40 and can be purchased in advance at fusionnm.org/upcoming/2025/3/27/fusion-theatre-company-presents-native-gardens. FUSION Theatre is located at 700 First St. NW.
Albuquerque Film Festival
“Everybody is Somebody” is the motto of the Albuquerque Film Festival, heading to Nob Hill’s Guild Cinema (3405 Central Ave. NE) for its second year of life. Storytellers from New Mexico and beyond will be there showing off dozens of short films and a handful of features. Friday night kicks off with a partnership between Albuquerque Film Festival and Phoenix’s FearCon horror festival. That night, all the films are horror of sci-fi related. The festival runs Friday, March 28 (5 to 10 p.m.), Saturday, March 29 (2 to 10 p.m.) and Sunday, March 30 (1:30 to 7 p.m.). Q&A sessions with filmmakers follow each programming block, and it tops off on Sunday with an award ceremony. Tickets (filmfreeway.com/EverybodyisSomebody-AlbuquerqueFilmFestival/tickets) are $20 per day or $45 for a three-day pass. For a complete schedule of events, go to albuquerquefilmfestival.com.
Goodbye Heat
In June of 2022, Sarah Kennedy and Kelli Trapnell opened Dry Heat Comedy Club on Central and Sixth. Two years later, the club moved into The Annex of The Box Performance Space & Improv Theatre, hosting scores of funny folks, both local and national. Now the owners are saying “adios” with Goodbye Heat – A Farewell to Dry Heat’s Physical Location. On Saturday, March 29, starting at 2 p.m, at Echoes (313 Gold Ave. SW), it’ll be half party, half show with comedians sharing their best one-minute routines back-to-back. Memories will be shared, goofy hijinks will ensue, there will be snacks and drinks. Plus, it’s all free! Stop by, share a laugh and maybe shed a tear. … Although we’re assuming that “physical location” thing in the title means Dry Heat will be back sooner or later, hosting floating comedy nights around the city.