AMoA opens exhibit featuring ‘Layered Lives’ of contemporary Cuban women artists
The Amarillo Museum of Art, located at 2200 S. Van Buren, will be hosting the exhibit “Layered Lives: The Art of Nine Contemporary Cuban Women from the Discoveries in Art – Certilman Family Collection” now through March 23. A reception is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; admission is free for members or $10 at the door.
There have been surprisingly few surveys of contemporary Cuban women artists. This exhibition aims toshed light on women’s significant contributions to the cultural fabric of their country and beyond.
The works showcased span the last 30 years and feature a selection of nine contemporary artists: AriamnaContino, Aimée García Marrero, Rocío García de la Nuez, Alejandra Glez, Elsa Mora, Mabel Poblet Pujol,Sandra Ramos, Adislen Reyes, and Linet Sánchez Gutiérrez. While half of the artists continue to residepermanently in Cuba, others have emigrated to the United States or have residences in both Cuba and Spain. Despite geographical distances, they remain deeply connected to their heritage and share common values.
The artists highlighted in this exhibition represent two distinct generations. Ramos, Mora, García Marrero, and García de la Nuez received their training during the challenging era of the 1990s, a period marked by profound economic crisis and scarcity following the collapse of the Soviet Union, which had been Cuba’s primary source of economic and political support during the Cold War. In contrast, Poblet, Glez, Sánchez, Reyes, and Contino, born later in the 1980s, began their careers amidst a growing awareness of the world beyond, facilitated by increased tourism and opportunities for artists abroad. Despite these divergent backgrounds, most of the artists in this exhibition received their training at the country’s prestigious art schools: the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) and the Academia de Bellas Arts de San Alejandro.
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This exhibition is organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA. The Amarillo Museum of Art is located on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College, and hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For additional information, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, or call (806) 371-5050 or (806) 371-5392 (weekends).
David Phelps concert tour to make Plainview stop in February
In support of a brand new recording being released Aug. 30, multi-Dove and Grammy Award-winning recording artist David Phelps will be featured in Plainview at the Harral Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Wayland Baptist University on Sunday, Feb. 2. The concert is set to begin at 7 p.m., with Phelps joined by comedian Mickey Bell.
Once a childhood musical prodigy from Tomball, Phelps earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Baylor University. Since then, he has become a nationally celebrated vocalist, perhaps best known as the tenor for the award-winning Gaither Vocal Band. Emerging as a leading voice in Christian music, Phelps has been winning the hearts of audiences all over the world for more than two decades, and he has performed at numerous prestigious venues across the globe.
The Plainview tour stop will feature songs from his “Speak of Love” recording. Event information may be obtained by visiting www.davidphelps.com.
WT School of Music faculty in spotlight in grand recital
CANYON — West Texas A&M University School of Music faculty members will show off their performance skills in an upcoming performance. The Faculty Grand Recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall on WT’s Canyon campus. Admission is free.
“This annual event showcases the incredible artistry and diverse musical talents of our faculty,” Dr. Guglielmo Manfredi, professor of horn. “From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, the recital offers a dynamic and inspiring program that highlights the breadth of talent and creativity within the School of Music.”
Scheduled performers include: Dr. Ryan Boehme, assistant professor, on marimba; Dr. James Barger, associate professor, on saxophone with Dr. Sarah Rushing, assistant professor, on piano; a woodwind trio featuring Dr. Connor Bell, assistant professor, on bassoon; Doug Storey, associate professor, on clarinet; and Jessica Schury, instructor, on flute; a brass quintet featuring Dr. Bill Takacs, professor, and David Lough, instructor, on trumpet; Manfredi on horn; Dr. John Shanks, associate professor, on trombone; and Dr. Jeremy Lewis, professor, on tuba; a trumpet duo featuring Takacs and Lough; and a jazz combo featuring Barger; Boehme; Dr. Russ Teweleit, professor, on trumpet; Austin Brazille, instructor, on guitar; and Dr. Nick Scales, professor, on bass. For information, call 806-651-2840.
ALT to present next production ‘First Date’ starting Feb. 6
The Amarillo Little Theatre is getting ready to present its next show, “First Date,” Feb. 6 through Feb. 16 in the ALT Adventure Space, located at 2019 Civic Circle.
The production is rated 18 and older. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 6 and 13; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, February 7-8 and 14-15; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 9 and 16. Reserve tickets by phone at (806) 355-9991 or online at www.tickets.amarillolittletheatre.org . The box office opens to the public at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27.
With music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, based on the book by Austin Winsberg, “First Date” brings to life all those hilarious, awkward and real moments that can go on during a blind date. When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening.
This contemporary musical is being directed and choreographed by Jason Crespin with Jennifer Akins serving as Music Director. Assisting both directors is Nicholas Shaffer with Sean Pritchard as Production Assistant.
“I am so excited to share this hilarious, contemporary musical with our audiences.” said Crespin. “It is the perfect show to celebrate the Valetine’s season. Whether you are single or have been married for 20 years, you will love this show!”
ALT has assembled an amazing cast that includes ShyAnne McDonald as Casey and Joseph Ward as Aaron, along with a talented ensemble of Nels Bjork, Kallie Huckabay, Abigail Martin, Jonathan Mobley, Harrison Stringer and Kaeclyn Tenorio.
Special table top seating that includes drinks, food and the show are available for each performance. Table top seating is limited so call the ALT Box Office to reserve this unique seating opportunity. Also ask about their “add on” table top, Valentine and Speed dating packages. An Ovation Series Talk Back Event, sponsored by Roxann and Kevin Ball, will immediately follow the Sunday, Feb. 9 performance.
The Aluminum Show to take stage Feb. 4 at Amarillo Civic Center
The Aluminum Show will offer a production for Amarillo audiences at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now.
Get ready to be dazzled by a groundbreaking performance combining cutting edge technology, electrifying dance, and mind-blowing visual effects and puppetry. Aluminum tubes and foil come to life, transforming the stage into a futuristic world of adventure. This is not just a family show but an adventure, enchanting audiences globally for over a decade.
For more, see panhandletickets.com .
Scholar publishes book on beloved ballad through WT-sponsored book series
CANYON — The latest installment of a West Texas A&M University-sponsored scholarly book series finds new insights in a well-worn cowboy ballad. “The Streets of Laredo: Texas Modernity and Its Discontents” by José E. Limón was released Jan. 6 by the Texas A&M University Press as part of its “American Wests” series, sponsored by WT through its Center for the Study of the American West.
Arguing that the well-known cowboy ballad “The Streets of Laredo” is an early expression of “discontent with an encroaching modernity,” Limón draws upon ethnomusicology, folklore, history, contemporary literature and other sources to provide a deeply contextualized analysis of the song. He explores its place in the imaginative construction of the American West and its role in the interpretation of both Anglo American and Mexican American identity in the Texas borderlands and beyond.
With the ballad as his point of departure, Limón takes readers on a tour that includes formative experiences from his childhood in Laredo and Corpus Christi; examination of the works of Américo Paredes, Larry McMurtry, and others; and considerations of American popular music, cinema, baseball, and associated socio-cultural phenomena. The result is a complex and intriguing view of Texas and American culture as seen through the lens of a “simple” cowboy song.
Limón previously spoke on “The Streets of Laredo” at a Distinguished Lecture Series event at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in 2019 and, via Zoom, in a lecture for CSAW in 2021.
WT Opera’s ‘Doctor Miracle’ to be staged at Dalhart’s La Rita Theatre
CANYON — West Texas A&M University Opera is hitting the road for a special performance in Dalhart.
The student opera singers will perform Georges Bizet’s “Doctor Miracle” at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the La Rita Theatre, 311 Denrock Ave. in Dalhart, as part of WT’s Showcase in a Suitcase program. Admission is free. For information, call 806-244-6222 or visit facebook.com/LaritaTheater.
In the opera, Captain Silvio tries to woo Laurette, the daughter of the town’s mayor, who dislikes military men and forbids the relationship. So, Silvio dons a few disguises, including the eponymous Doctor Miracle, in order to stay close to Laurette. In one of his disguises, he even flirts with Laurette’s mother, Véronique.
WT Opera staged “Miracle” in September to open its 2024-2025 season. Performing in Dalhart will be Joshua Moreno, a senior music education major from Canyon, as Silvio/Pasquin/Doctor Miracle; Oscar Hample, a graduate student in vocal performance from Wasilla, Alaska, as Podestat; Andrea Sandor, a graduate student in vocal performance from Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, as Veronique; and Kanani Crandall, a graduate student in vocal performance from San Diego, as Lauretta.
Showcase in a Suitcase began in 2011 as a way to offer educational and cultural experiences to rural Texas Panhandle residents through performances, workshops, lectures and clinics from the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities. The majority of events have taken place in the La Rita, but performances and master classes also have been conducted in Boys Ranch, Channing, Pampa, Panhandle, Perryton, Quitaque and Vega, as well as Midland and Odessa.
Chamber Music Amarillo and Amarillo Symphony concert seasons underway
For “Elicio Winds,” set for Feb. 15 at the Amarillo Museum of Art, Chamber Music Amarillo is partnering with the symphony on the theme “Mountains and Oceans,” with works inspired by visual artists performed by flutist Virginia Broffitt Kunzer, oboist Kathleen Carter-Bell and bassoonist Conor Bell. Other upcoming performances include “Metamorphosen” (March 8) and “A Love Letter of Music” (April 11), with receptions afterward at Arts in the Sunset. For more information, visit https://amarillosymphony.org/chamber-music-amarillo/cma-upcoming-events/ .
The Amarillo Symphony’s season continues with the Symphony Ball – Palm Royale (Feb. 8), “American Journey” (March 21-22) and “The Firebird” (April 25), with various Lunch & Listening events planned as well. Tickets are on sale now; visit https://amarillosymphony.org/ticketing-subscriptions/upcoming-concerts-events/ for more.
Harlem Globetrotters take to the court again in Amarillo
The Harlem Globetrotters return to Amarillo on their 2025 World Tour, March 1 in the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum. Tickets and packages are on sale now. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to see what fans love about the Harlem Globetrotters plus more as the world-famous Globetrotters level-up every game with all-new, exciting challenges in 2025. Fans will see all the amazing basketball spins, slams, and dunks that you’ve come to expect at every Globetrotters game, plus new trials as players face-off to see who can pull off astonishing trick shots and more.
See your favorite Globetrotter stars and their renowned rivals, the Washington Generals, live as they challenge themselves and each other to new moves, new shots, and new innovations.
For more, see panhandletickets.com.
Liverpool Legends – ‘The Complete Beatles Experience!’ coming to Amarillo in March
Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends will be at Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts’ Performance Hall on Saturday, March 15, with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets online at panhandletickets.com or call the Box Office at 806-378-3096.
Liverpool Legends are four talented musicians and actors, handpicked by Louise Harrison – sister of George Harrison, to honor her brother’s legacy and re-create the band that changed the world forever. Experience the complete history of The Beatles, starting with early hits such as “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You” and “Twist and Shout.” Then take a Magical Mystery Tour down “Penny Lane,” through the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper. And in “The End,” “Come Together” and sing and dance to classics like “Get Back,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Hey Jude.”
This one-of-a-kind Beatles show is narrated by Louise Harrison, and she was an instrumental part of the promotion of The Beatles in the early years. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, Liverpool Legends will make you feel like you are watching the real thing in “The Complete Beatles Experience.”
Price is Right Live coming to Civic Center on March 14
The Amarillo Civic Center Complex will play host to The Price is Right Live interactive stage show on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are on sale at panhandletickets.com .
“Come on Down” and be a part of this family friendly stage show (non-televised) offering fans across America a chance to make dreams come true and relive feelings of nostalgia, while experiencing the same thrilling excitement of winning big, up close, locally and in-person. During Amarillo’s stop, the show will give randomly selected contestants a chance to play everyone’s favorite games like Plinko, Cliffhangers, The Big Wheel and even the fabulous Showcase. Lucky audience members can even win prizes right from their seat.
Special packages are available; see the show’s website for details or follow them on social media platforms including Facebook, X and Instagram.
Theo Von coming to Amarillo Civic Center in March
Thursday, comedian and podcast host Theo Von announced his widely popular comedy tour Return of the Rat is coming to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex on March 30. Tickets are on sale on panhandletickets website.
Theo Von grew up in the stray animal belt of southern Louisiana. He was a child there and became an adult slowly there. He can be seen and heard weekly on his widely popular podcasts that garner millions of listens/views a month This Past Weekend, and King and the Sting. Theo’s new comedy special Regular People was filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., and is now streaming on Netflix.
