Amarillo entertainment in brief

Amarillo Botanical Gardens hosting live music Thursdays

Amarillo Botanical Gardens is hosting its annual Music in the Gardens summer concert series, featuring live music 7-9 p.m. every Thursday in the gardens, located at 1400 Streit Drive.

For more information, call 806-352-6513 or visit amarillobotanicalgardens.org

The music lineup includes:

July 28: Andy Chase Cundiff (food by J&R Family Catering)

Aug. 4: Lindsey Lane (food by Yolo's)

Aug. 11: Darling Brothers (food by Joe Taco)

Aug. 18: Touching Voodoo (food by Crave)

Aug. 25: Rok 45 (food TBD)

City Parks and Recreation hosting live music, movie screenings

Starlight Theater, an outdoor concert series with performances by local entertainers, is underway for the summer every Tuesday night at Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave.

Concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free and open to the public, with music, food trucks and family fun. Grab your friends, family, blanket, a picnic dinner and come enjoy live music and summer evenings and talent in Amarillo.

The lineup includes:

July 26 - The Prairie Dogs, Texas Americana; and

Aug. 2 - Insufficient Funds, variety.

New exhibit, "Quinceañera Traditions," opens at PPHM

CANYON — Experience the historic and symbolic meaning of the quinceañera at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum during "Quinceañera Traditions," the newest textile exhibit on display at PPHM from this month to February 2023. It will feature stories from those in the Panhandle region about the tradition and three generations of ‘quince’ celebrations.

"As a rite of passage, a quinceañera, is a celebration of food, family, and faith that encompasses both the old and the new. Quinceañera Traditions celebrates the traditions surrounding a fifteen year old’s journey from girl to woman," a news release says.

“PPHM is excited to celebrate the quinceañera and its unique importance to the people of our area.” said Deana Craighead, Curator of Art. “Quinceañera Traditions tells stories from our community and has been met with tremendous enthusiasm. Over these many months of planning, I have been overwhelmed by the people I have met and their incredible openness and generosity. We would especially like to thank our exhibit sponsors Dean Boyd, Los Barrios de Amarillo, Telemundo and Amarillo National Bank. I encourage the public to visit the museum to experience it for themselves.”

Located on the campus of West Texas A&M University, PPHM features more than 285,000 square feet and over 2 million artifacts dedicated to preserving this area’s past.

To learn more about the exhibit, tours, upcoming movie nights, and other summer events at the museum, visit panhandleplains.org.

'Fantastic Visions' exhibit opens at AMoA

The exhibit, "Fantastic Visions: Surreal and Constructed Images," is on display at the Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA) now through Sept. 4.

Drawn from private collections, this exhibition showcases the work of artists and photographers who embrace the surreal and challenge reality through creatively constructed images and unique perspectives. Real and imaginary figures inhabit worlds that hover between the sublime and visceral, according to a news release.

"Shana and Robert ParkeHarrison’s images offer a mysterious narrative filled with constructed mechanical devices and architecture that investigate human interactions with nature. Israeli artist Michal Rovner pushes her ethereal images of anonymous individuals and non-specific locations to the point of near abstraction that are saturated with emotional resonance," the release says. "The works from Dutch photographer Teun Hocks exist between photography and painting. His large-scale, hand-colored gelatin silver prints are humorous and surreal scenes that are staged self-portraits. The artist often portrays himself in tragic, but comic situations resigned to acceptance and defeat within the constructed narrative. Photographs from Vik Muniz’s series’ Pictures of Junk and Pictures of Chocolate are compositions of ordinary materials transformed and reconfigured into an image that is then photographed by the artist."

Additional artworks by artists such as Matthew Brandt, Nick Simpson, German photographer Elger Esser, and Russian-born American artists Rimma Gerlovina and Valeriy Gerlovinj, among others, are included in this exhibition.

AMoA is located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For additional information, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, orcall 806-371-5050 or 806-371-5392 (weekends).

Parking is available in the #5 (north) and #6 (east) lots. Handicap parking is available in both lots.

Watson returns to Amarillo

Aaron Watson and Triston Marez make their way back to Amarillo on Saturday, July 30, for an outdoor show with limited capacity at Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.

“The symbolism of the bandana for me is like the American working-class heart: hustle, grit ... hard work. Anywhere you find those things, you find that red bandana. It's old-school but it's also timeless.”

Old-school but timeless: That’s how Aaron Watson characterizes his bold new full-length collection, Red Bandana, but he could also be describing himself. As a singer-songwriter, husband, father of three, and self-made musical success, the 41-year-old Texan has forged a slow and steady path to country stardom by both honoring tradition and embracing the unknown. He’s more comfortable than most walking the line.

Tickets for this show range from $25 to $125 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating and features.

For more information, visit www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Nunn returns to Starlight Ranch

Get ready to go home with the Armadillo with Gary P. Nunn live at the Starlight at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6.

As a founding father of the progressive country music scene in Austin in the 1970’s, Nunn helped change the face of popular music. With a career spanning half a century – and no plans for stopping anytime soon - Nunn is a proud ambassador for the state of Texas, singing about his love of everything Texas in dance halls around the state and on concert stages around the world. His extraordinary gifts as a prolific songwriter and performer have established Gary P. Nunn as an icon of Lone Star music.

Nunn’s latest CD, "Friends For Life", is a collection of duets featuring new versions of 12 of his songs by an all-star lineup by some of Texas’ most loved artists including Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Kevin Fowler, Bruce Robison, Wade Bowen, Cory Morrow, Cody Canada, Roger Creager, Kimmie Rhodes, Dale Watson, Sunny Sweeney, Cody Johnson, and Red Steagall.

Tickets for this show range from $17 to $50 (plus taxes and fees).

For more information, visit www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Steve-O bringing Bucket List Tour to city

"Jackass" star, stand-up comedian, and New York Times best-selling author, Steve-O, is bringing The Bucket List Tour to the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts venue at 7 p.m. on Aug. 6.

Every idea on Steve-O’s bucket list was so ill-advised, he never expected to go through with any of them. Until it was time to prepare for this tour. Not only are the stunts more ridiculous than what you already know Steve-O for, he did them all, and made a multimedia comedy show out of them. Not for kids, or the faint of heart.

This show is for adult audiences only.

Tickets range from $35 to $55 (plus taxes and fees) and are available online through panhandletickets.com

Starlight Ranch hosts margarita festival

Join Starlight Ranch on Saturday, Aug. 13, as they celebrate three of the greatest things they love: Margaritas, tacos, and Lucha Libre Wrestling.

Sample more than different margaritas plus tacos from around the Panhandle. Ticketholders be given a voting chip to vote for their favorite margarita. The winning margarita gets a cash prize and naming rights for “Amarillo’s Best Margarita”.

Sampling cards will be available for purchase that buy a limited-edition sampling glass, and eight sampling vouchers. Each vendor will have their own sampling recipe so make sure to try them all.

There will also be axe throwing, a 10,000 square foot maze, miniature golf and live music by Sugar Rock Yacht Band.

General admission tickets range from $30 to $65 (plus taxes and fees) depending on features and VIP status.

For more information, visit www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Reckless Kelly returns to Amarillo

Reckless Kelly and the Band of Heathens come to Amarillo at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 for an outdoor show at Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive.

Reckless Kelly's country-rock genre and stage presence shows off a fun and alternative musicianship with a honky-tonk twist. Their debut album, Millican, appeared in 1998. Led by brothers Willy (vocals, guitar) and Cody Braun (vocals, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica), Reckless Kelly formed in Bend, Oregon, before relocating to Austin in January 1997. Over twenty years later, their double-LP American Jackpot/American Girls, was released in May 2020. Now with over 25 years of performances, Reckless Kelly delivers a night of unforgettable music you won't soon forget.

The Band of Heathens is talking about their weekly Zoom brainstorm session during the pandemic, where they continued their creativity as musicians. While the live music industry was put on hold, their most recent album came together, ("Remote Tranmissions") featuring covers of ten classic songs with guest vocals by the likes of Margo Price, Todd Snider, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Charlie Starr. The Band of Heathens hails from Austin and has enjoyed sustained and award-winning success for more than a decade, totaling 10 albums and over twelve hundred performances in thirteen countries.

For more information, visit www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Turner to perform at UW kickoff event

The United Way of Amarillo hosting country artist Josh Turner for its annual Campaign Kickoff event scheduled fort 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, at Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive.

Turner is an American country and gospel singer and actor. In 2003, he signed to MCA Nashville Records. That same year, his debut album's title track, "Long Black Train", was his breakthrough single release. Some of his other hits include "Your Man", "Would You Go With Me", and "Why Don't We Just Dance".

United Way is working to advance the areas of health, income, education, and basic needs, which are the building blocks for a good quality of life. Through the collective efforts of the public, we are able to partner with agencies that provide high-quality programs that better lives. In short, we want to impact lives so that they thrive with income stability, education, and health and are independent of charitable and governmental needs.

Tickets are available for $35 and $75 (plus taxes and fees) for general admission and VIP, respectively.

For more information, visit www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

'Missa Solemnis' to feature performers from across region

Amarillo Symphony plans to present Beethoven’s "Missa Solemnis" at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St.

The "Missa Solemnis" is a solemn, sung mass composed by Ludwig van Beethoven from 1819 to 1823. It was first performed on April 7, 1824, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, under the auspices of Beethoven’s patron Prince Nikolai Galitzin.

An incomplete performance was given in Vienna on May 7, 1824, when the Kyrie, Credo, and Agnus Dei, three of the five movements, were conducted by the composer.

It is generally considered to be one of the composer’s supreme achievements and, along with Bach’s Mass in B minor, one of the most significant Mass settings of the common practice period.

The artistic forces being secured total 178 musicians including 1 conductor, 4 soloists, 58 orchestra musicians and 115 choral musicians.

Musicians are comprised of organizations all across the Panhandle area. This includes Chamber Music Amarillo, the Amarillo Symphony, Amarillo Master Chorale, Panhandle PBS, Lubbock Chorale, West Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Wayland Baptist University, Amarillo College, and First Baptist Church of Amarillo.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit amarillosymphony.org

ALT plans production of 'Significant Other'

Amarillo Little Theatre, 2019 Civic Circle, plans to present "Significant Other" Aug. 18-28.

Meet Jordan Berman. He’s single. And he has a date with a co-worker to see a documentary about the Franco-Prussian war. At least, he thinks it’s a date.

"Significant Other" follows Jordan who would love to be in love, but that’s easier said than done. So until he meets Mr. Right, he wards off lonely nights with his trio of close girlfriends. But as singles’ nights turn into bachelorette parties, Jordan discovers that the only thing harder than finding love is supporting the loved ones around you when they do.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit amarillolittletheatre.org

Friends of Lake Meredith & Alibates raising funds for fireworks show

The Friends of Lake Meredith & Alibates are seeking sponsors and donations for its fireworks show scheduled for Sept. 3.

"In the past several years the Lake Meredith Fireworks events have been a big success, an estimated 60,000 people visited our National Park, and local businesses have had record sales. This event is good for the local economy and a tradition that everyone in the area enjoys. We need your help in supporting our local National Park and the continuation of the tradition," a news release says. All sponsors will be recognized before and during the event, with names and logos displayed on posters for each level of sponsorship. Platinum Level Sponsors ($10,000 or more) will be announced on KGNC FM the night of the show as they will accompany music with the show.

Star Parties are planned for 9-11 p.m. Aug. 20 and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. l5, and a Small Fry Fishing Tournament will be held Aug. 6. Other annual events include ranger led programs, village tours, Panhandle days, kayak programs, Flint Fest and the McBride House Tour. Movies at the Lake will feature "The Blind Side" being screened July 16 for Everyday Heroes night, "The Sandlot" showing Sept. 3 for the fireworks night and "Hocus Pocus" on view Oct. 29 for Trunk or Treat.

Donations may be mailed to The Friends of Lake Meredith and Alibates, P.O. Box 1372, Borger, TX 79008, or call 806-736-0113. Sponsorship deadline is Aug. 15.

Events and dates are subject to change; for more information, call 806-857-3151 or visit their Facebook page.

Tickets on sale for 2nd annual 'Love, Laughter & Friends Festival' in September

Nfinity Entertainment & Live Capital proudly announce their 2nd Annual "Love, Laughter & Friends Festival," which will take place Sept. 17, starting at 6:30 p.m. in Amarillo’s Azteca Music Hall.

Tickets start at $55 and went on sale to the public June 6. There will be comedy, food and live performances from multiple Grammy nominated artists such as Frankie J, Twista, Pleasure P, Bobby V. and also Yung Joc from VH1's "Love and Hip Hop" — all five artists on one stage for one special night.

Last year’s festival showcased musical artists Ginuwine, Baby Bash and R&B group Dru Hill and drew an energetic diverse audience of more than 1,000 strong, and this year's event will be even bigger.

Keep up with news about the festival on Facebook and Instagram, and also by following @Nfinity Entertainment and @LiveCapitalTX. For additional information on tickets/VIP sections, call (806) 779-6360.

'Celebrate America' with Amarillo Symphony at Hodgetown Oct. 1

The Amarillo Symphony and Hodgetown Events are excited to present “Celebrate America," a community concert for the whole family on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Gates are scheduled to open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are currently on sale for the event.

The Amarillo Symphony will perform a variety of patriotic classics, film music and other American musical favorites. The concert will end with a fireworks finale set to Tchaikovsky’s "1812 Overture" and John Philip Sousa’s "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Hospitality options for groups are available as well including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For more information on hospitality areas and tickets, call 806-803-7762 or email groups@sodpoodles.com.

Hoodoo Mural Festival returning to downtown Amarillo Oct. 1

The Hoodoo Mural Festival returns to downtown Amarillo on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Among the festival's music lineup will be Los Angeles’s modern pop duo Neil Frances, who recently released their debut album "There is No Neil Frances" in February; New Jersey-based music producer and DJ Flamingosis, known for his tunes that blend the sounds of funk, soul, and electronic music; multi-platform music producer Kaelin Ellis from today’s electronic and hip-hop beat scene; and up-and-coming electro-pop duo Little Jet.

In the mural art lineup is Tristan Eaton, who has more than 25 years of art experience with projects spanning the country and is often sought ought for his unique patchwork, multi-medium portraits; Ricardo Gonzalez (aka It’s A Living), a designer and artist from Durango, Mexico, who emphasizes unique typographies in his larger-than-life murals; and Los Angeles-based muralist Rabi, who is part of the artist collective CYRCLE and whose most notable fans include the likes of Shepard Fairey, Sean Combs, and the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

In addition, Hoodoo alumni Drew Merritt (2021) and Malcolm Byers (2019) are also set to return to the festival, the release says.

For more information, the full lineup and to purchase tickets, visit the festival's website at www.HoodooMural.com

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo entertainment in brief