If you’ve ever wondered why you should live in Santa Fe (other than the skies like nowhere else, the Sangre de Cristos in the distance, the green chile), this week might be convincing enough to get you here full time. Today’s offerings alone are a bit mind-boggling in their richness and variety.

The Lodge at Santa Fe has a long tradition of Flamenco performances. I can’t tell you how many years they’ve been offering this to the public, but they are home to the Maria Benitez Cabaret Theatre, featuring dancing that in their words, “will have you on the edge of your seat.”  If you think the way I used to, you might be skeptical about whether you really want to spend an evening watching dancers in tight black pants with castenets dance in circles around hats. My best advice is this: Put away any preconceptions and head up to the Lodge for Entreflamenco tonight at 8 p.m. The skill and stamina of these dancers is mind-blowing. Unlike anything you’re expecting to see. (Image courtesy of The Lodge at Santa Fe)

Or go another direction altogether and grab tickets to Romeo et Juliettte at The Santa Fe Opera.  The season is winding down and we only have eleven more performances this summer.  If you’re a newbie, you can grab dinner, wine and dessert along with a short talk about the evening’s opera at the Preview Buffet, or you’re welcome to bring you own tailgate dinner. Think the Opera is too expensive? There are standing room only seats for just $15. You really can’t visit Santa Fe without going to the Opera, can you? Think about what great water cooler conversation this will provide next week when you’re back at work.

If you’re downtown around 6 p.m., you can catch not-one-but-two Grammy award winners at the Plaza Bandstand tonight. Larry Mitchell, Native American guitarist/producer/engineer/performer (is there anything this guy can’t do?) and Robert Mirabal, Native American flutist, will be on the bandstand and, yes, it’s free. I’m sure you’ve already caught a night at the Bandstand, Santa Fe’ favorite “Best Event or Festival” (as awarded by the locals and the Santa Fe Reporter), so you already know how magical it is to sit under the plaza canopy of trees. But tonight promises to be special.

And what else is there? We’re so lucky to live here, that it’s impossible to catch it all. Check out santafe.com or santafenow.com for a longer list of events. I’m just thinking music right now. If you’d prefer art, antiques, poetry (yes, there are Poetics on the Patio at the Skylight), there are those options as well. It is Tuesday after all. Lots to do and see in Santa Fe even on a weeknight when the rest of the U.S. is glued to their televisions.

Enjoy! I plan to. Maybe I’ll see you on the plaza.