According to her website, Raye Zaragoza dealt with a lot of pain growing up and trying to fit in as a Japanese-American, Mexican, Indigenous woman. But that’s all changed now that she’s grown up, accepted herself for who she is, and found her voice as a musician.

“I am proud to be a multicultural brown woman with insecurities and a vibrant intersectional identity that I continue to grapple with,” Zaragoza stated in a post on her website. “I hope young girls of today will know that the ‘It Girl’ is whatever the hell they want to be.”

“The It Girl” is one of the songs off Zaragoza’s 2020 album “Woman in Color.”

Zaragoza grew up in New York City, where her...

Sean Harrison to perform at the Gallup Masonic Center June 19

“I’d like to think I’ll die in an interesting way/ A final effort for some glory to my life/ Like falling from a cliff/ Or run over by a train.” That’s how “Wake up Dead,” a song off of Sean Harrison’s 2020 album “Halfway from Nashville,” starts.

Harrison’s music has been described as “Americana,” meaning that it encompasses traditional music styles, such as folk, country, and bluegrass. In an interview with the Sun, he said he considers most of his work to be more on the blues side of music. He said his inspirations include Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

“I like writing songs that make fun of guys...

Local State Farm agent Chee Montano has a long history of demonstrating what it means to be a Good Neighbor by stepping up to help his community. On June 2, Chee presented Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region with a $10,000 grant from State Farm as part of the company’s Outstanding Community Engagement Program.

The nonprofit organization was selected by the insurance agent, as part of their recognition for being one of 100 agents nationwide who were nominated and selected for their outstanding community engagement.

“At State Farm, we are committed to helping build stronger communities,” Chee said. “For me, it’s not enough to simply say we’re a Good Neighbor, we...

Courthouse Plaza will be hoppin’ after hours this summer with a series of new Downtown Fun events intended to please locals and tourists of all ages, and it’s all free to attend.

New this year is a series of family fun nights and musical jam events at which locals can show off their talents with the support of hired musicians.

Plans call for Family Fun nights from 6 to 8 pm June 8 and 22 and July 6, 20 and 27. Each event will feature a different community or youth group, for example a youth sports night. The various events will include hands-on activities like kids art opportunities, a mechanical bull, climbing wall and obstacle course from Wowies.

The events will also offer...