Celebrating its 74th Season, 2010 – 2011!

The Santa Fe Concert Association was established on April 1, 1937, as a participant in Columbia Artists Management’s famed Community Concerts program, which toured international artists all over the country through a network of local presenters.

As it turned out, that initial event would prove to be anything but a joke; for from then until now, for almost three-quarters of a century, SFCA has continued to present the world’s greatest artists and ensembles in recital and concert to the residents and students of Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.

From singers and instrumentalists to dance companies and theater groups, SFCA has brought literally hundreds of superb performers to Santa Fe through the decades. Among the many standouts have been alto Kathleen Ferrier, soprano Deborah Voigt, and soprano Helen Jepson; pianists Ruth Laredo, Radu Lupu, Andrew von Oeyen, Alicia de Larrocha, and Emanuel Ax; violinists Gidon Kremer, Yehudi Menuhin, Zino Francescatti, Gil Shaham, Midori, and Sarah Chang; The Vanbrugh, Emerson, Cleveland, and Kronos string quartets; vocal ensembles Chanticleer and Anonymous 4; The Beaux Arts Trio; and The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Octet.

SFCA became in independent not-for-profit presenting organization in 1973, and has been under the guidance of Executive and Artistic Director Joseph Illick since May 2008.

Hey, Wanna have some fun? How about enjoying a river raft trip down the Rio Grande Gorge?  Big River knows how important your vacation is.  So let them make it as much fun as possible.  They are a full service outfitter.  We supply everything, you just show up and go rafting… WAHOO!

Rio Grande Rapids Half Day $60 – The best half day whitewater run in the sunny southwest.  Big River’s most popular trip rated class IIIplus.  THE RACE COURSE RAPIDS WAHOO! Snacks and beverages included.  Approximate time 2 – 5 hours, you choose.

Orilla Verde Half Day $60 – Float trip, some wildlife, birds, swimming, etc.  Interpretive guide, snacks & beverages. 3 hours.

Big River All Day $80 – Laid back day swimming, picnicking and fun rapids, too! 5 – 7 hours.

Horse/Rafting All Day $140 – Horseback riding and class III rapids with lunch.  5 to 7 hours.. Heehaw!

Climbing & Rafting All Day $165 with Lunch – Top rope all levels and all equipment supplied. Group discounts available, call for beta.

Team Extreme All Day $100 – Small boat, aggressive guide, wanna go big?

Taos Box $107.50 – 16 miles of wilderness with five miles of class IV plus whitewater.

Steaks and Rafting $80 – 10oz. New Yorker, baked potato, corn on the cob, ice cream and class III rapids! Served right along the shores of the Rio Grande. Serves up to 100 people.

Lovers Lane Dinner Float $75 – 2 hour float time plus dinner at a historic restaurant.

All trips include wet suit booties, warm fuzzy clothing, splash jackets, dry bags, bottled water, popsicles, chips and salsa, return shuttle, and interpretive riverguide.  You bring hat, sunscreen, water bottle, quick drying clothes (synthetics work best), wear bathing suits on hot days with a sweater or light jacket on cool days. Soft sole shoes or sandals with heel straps, “Cotton is not recommended”.  They also offer Hot Air Baloon Rides, Mountain Bike Tours, Llama Treks, Canyon Hikes, and Great Whitewater BBQ’s up to 100 people. 1-800-RIVER-GO. 1-800-748-3746.  www.bigriverrafts.com.

Marty Sanchez Linds de Santa Fe is the City of Santa Fe’s finest municipal golf course, offering inspirational views surrounding the ‘City Different.’  The Links truly is a course for all seasons.  They are open year-round, weather permitting.  With an average of 300 days of sunshine yearly, there’s plenty of opportunity for golf.  The moment you approach the first tee, you’ll marvel at the incomparable views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia and Ortiz mountian ranges.  The stunning panorama remains constant through five sets of tees ranging from forward tees of 5,045 yards to championship tees of 7,415 yards from the back tees.

Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe’s championship course and par 28 course were designed by Baxter Spann.  “The Great 28″, which has been named one of Travel & Leisure Golf’s Top Five Big Little Courses, is perfect for practicing your short game or for a quick round of golf.  At Links de Santa Fe, they offer 18 championship holes, one of the finest 9 hole executive par 3 courses in the Southwest, a 35-station all-grass driving range, two practice greens for chipping and putting, one practice bunker, pro shop and Links de Santa Fe’s The Back Nine Grill and Bar.  Check out their menu…. http://linksdesantafe.com/restaurant/ldsf_restaurant.html !

Beginners and scratch golfers alike will benefit with lessons from Ross Nettles, recipient of the “Teacher of the Year” award four years running as determined by the Sun Country Golf Association.  For more information about Links de Santa Fe or to schedule a tee time, call the Pro Shop at 505-955-4400 or 888-735-4657. 205 Caja del Rio Road (just off HWY 599).  www.linksdesantafe.com.

Black Mesa is one of Santa Clara Pueblo’s finest accomplishments.  The moment you set foot onto the course, you’ll feel a sense of awe.  Colorful sandstone rock formations cut the New Mexico sky, fairways roll across the valleys like carpet, and dramatic bunkering and green countouring seamlessly blend with their native surroundings.  With Black Mesa on the western horizon, and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the east, the beauty is unparalleled.

As for the game… prepare yourself for one of the Southwest’s most demanding courses.  The layout offers five sets of tees on 18 championship holes – each with its own game.  Unspoiled elevations, hiddent target areas and the challenge of thinking your way around the course are all part of the thrill.

• Multi-level driving range with 7 target greens
• Short game practice area with green and bunkers
• Two practice putting greens
• State-of-the-art GPS carts
• PGA certified teaching staff; individual and group instruction
• Clubhouse Bar & Grill with panorama patio views
• Pro Shop offering custom club fitting and quality apparel
• Moderate tempratures for year-around play
• On-line forecasts
• Only 20 minutes north of Santa Fe

115 State Road 399 in La Mesilla, NM. 505-747-8946.  www.blackmesagolf.com.  Tee times may be reserved up to 2 weeks in advance.

Here is a list of amazing chocolatiers!

C.G. Higgins Confections – Featured on The Food Network, makers of fine quality Chocolate Truffles, Boutique Caramel Corns, Excellent Nut Brittles and Fine Chocolate Sipping Drinks.  Daily Happy Hour, 4pm – 6pm, featuring prices on our Expressions, Lattes and Sipping Chocolates.  Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm.  847 Ninita St. (at St. Francis Drive)  Three blocks north of Cerillos/St. Francis Intersection. 505-820-1315.  www.cghiggins.com

The Chocolate Smith – As seen on The Food Network!  They specialize in Fine Fresh Dark Chocolate handmade daily.  Stop in and visit their chocolate foundry and gift shop.  Toffe Almond Bark, Don Juan Pecans, Green Chili Pistachio Bark, Sea Salt Caramel, White Chocolate Lemon Lavendar Bark and Chile Chocolates and More.  Hours: Mon – Sat. 10am – 5:30pm. Sun. 12 – 5pm.  Just south of Whole Foods at 851-A Cerillos Road.  505-473-2111.  Shop their full online selection at www.chocolatesmith.com.

Kakawa Chocolate House – Authentic Meso-American and Historic Eurpoean Chocolate Drinks.  Intense Truffles, Tortes and Cakes.  All handmade with the finest chocolate, chiles and ingredients.  Sit and enjoy the Real Flavors of Real Chocolate!  Mon – Thurs. 10am to 6pm, Fri – Sat. 10am to 8pm, and Sun. 12 – 6pm.  505-982-0388.  www.kakawachocolates.com.  1050 Paseo de Peralta across from Gerald Peters Gallery.

Todos Santos Chocolates and Confections - Todos Santos carries housemade creations including truffles, toffee and gold or silver leaf covered chocolate milagros as well as eclectic confections from around the world. In the Sena Plaza Courtyard at 125 E. Palace #31 in Santa Fe.  505-982-3855.  Check out La Casa Sena wine shop and sit enjoy a nice dessert wine with gourmet chocolate!