Lubbock entertainment in brief
CATS to present 'It Takes a Village'
CATS Playhouse, 2257 34th St., plans to present "It Takes a Village: Tales and Folklore" adapted by Whitney Ryan Garrity at 7:30 p.m. on July 16 and 22-23.
“It Takes a Village,” was written by local playwright Garrity. The play was premiered at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences Center last November, as the first of such theater events devised by Lubbock ISD.
Garrity wrote and directed his first musical at the age of 21. Since then, he has created numerous plays, revues and musicals, a dozen of which are published. He has worked with various theater organizations in New Jersey and Texas as a performer, director, and artistic director.
General admission tickets for all ages are $10 and may be purchased online at http://catsplayhouse.com/
Theater presents Ragtown! a Musical Drama
Now in its 16th season, Ragtown Gospel Theater is excited to be bringing Ragtown! A Musical Drama back to the stage with eight performances in July and August.
Ragtown is a fun-filled musical based on the 1907 founding of Post City, Texas, by the eccentric millionaire cereal inventor, C.W. Post. But underlying the rollicking story is a message that couldn’t be more timely.
Taking place just 40 years after the end of the Civil War, Ragtown is a story of forgiveness and healing the wounds of division between brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of skin color, or on which side of the war they may have been.
Glenn Polk directs, and portrays the enigmatic Rainmaker with Deborah Hobbs as Sister Pearl Talley, and Ron Meadows in the role of C.W. Post. The play and music are by Chip Polk, with orchestral arrangements by Andy Patterson. Choreography is by Kristen Williams.
Performances will be Saturdays at 3 p.m., July 9 through Aug. 27. All seats are reserved. Adult tickets are $22, discounted to $16.50 purchased in groups of 12 or more. Student tickets K through college are $10. Veterans and active military are welcome to attend as our guests.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ragtown.com.
Wallace Theater presents 'Hunchback'
Levelland's Wallace Theater will present "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at 7:30 p.m. July 16, 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. on July 17 and 24 at the LHUCA Firehouse Theater 511 Ave. K, Lubbock.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda.
Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
Tickets for this production are $20 to $45 for general seating or $100 for front-row seats and are available online at www.wallacetheater.com
Blackwood and the Imperials to perform gospel
Terry Blackwood and the Elvis Imperials will be live at the Cactus Theater at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 17.
The journey of this renowned group, The Imperials, began in 1964 when Jake Hess organized a world-class vocal group with the best voices he could find. The Imperials quickly found their place in gospel music but after a few short years, Jake Hess developed some health issues. When he had to step down, he asked Terry Blackwood to take his place.
The Imperials impacted an entire generation of young people bringing a fresh new sound but an “uncompromised Gospel message” to millions of all ages. Along the way, they won multiple Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame among other accolades.
The songs on their new CD “The Way” were carefully selected to lead people to Christ. The Imperials pray that the listener will be blessed and encouraged by what they have endeavored to do on the project.
Reserved seat tickets are first 5 rows (A-E), $27.50; remaining 7 rows (F-M), $25; standard balcony, $20; and balcony box, $50.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com.
'Cabaret' on the big screen for 50th anniversary
TCM Big Screen Classics presents "Cabaret" 50th anniversary screening at Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., at 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 20.
Berlin, 1931. As Nazism rises in Germany, flamboyant American Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli) sings in a decadent nightclub and falls in love with a British language teacher (Michael York) — whom she shares with a homosexual German baron. But Sally's small, carefree, tolerant and fragile cabaret world is about to be crushed under the boot of the Nazis as Berlin becomes a trap from which Sally's German friends will not escape in this ground-breaking, blockbuster film version of the Broadway musical Cabaret.
Winner of eight Academy Awards®: Best Actress in a Leading Role - Liza Minnelli Best Director - Bob Fosse Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Joel Grey Best Music, Scoring Original Song Score and/or Adaptation Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Best Cinematography Best Film Editing Best Sound Based on the book Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood, the Broadway play I Am a Camera based on the book and written by John Van Druten and on the Broadway musical written by Joe Masteroff.
This 50th anniversary event includes exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies.
Tickets for this special screening are $12.45 and available online in advance. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com
Yoakam coming to Buddy Holly Hall
Country star Dwight Yoakam will hit the stage of the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall at 8 p.m. Friday, July 22.
Star of country music and screen, Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner.
He has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the Top 10.
Reserved seat tickets range from $39.99 to $139.99 (plus taxes & fees) and are available for purchase online at www.buddyhollyhall.com
Garth Brooks tribute coming to Cactus
The Garth Guy, the ultimate live tribute to Garth Brooks, will be live at the Cactus Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 22.
Dean Simmons followed the footsteps of his father, uncle and grandfather to a life of performing country music. At seven years old, Dean was strumming his guitar with his father’s band. Later, after playing lead guitar for several projects, he formed the Dean Simmons Band performing nightclubs, fairs and festivals and honky-tonks all over the Pacific Northwest.
Simmons began his career as a Garth Brooks tribute artist in 1994. In 1996, producer John Stuart discovered and hired him to perform in the world famous "Legends in Concert" in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City and several tours and one-night performances throughout the USA and Canada. He is still the only "Garth" on Legends’ roster and still performs in many of the Legends shows.
Tickets for this show are first 4 rows (rows A-D), $27.50; remaining floor (rows E-M), $25; standard balcony, $20; and balcony box, $50 (Note: Box ticket includes concessions).
For more information, visit www.cactustheater.com
Trevino to perform at Cactus
Texas-born country star Rick Trevino is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at the Cactus Theater.
Special guest opener will be Hannah Jack and featuring Lubbock's Dustin Garrett on guitar.
Trevino is a Mexican-American country music artist. Signed to Columbia Records in 1993, Trevino began his career with the release of his debut single, "Just Enough Rope," the first mainstream country music single to feature separate English and Spanish-language versions. The song was included on his debut album, "Dos Mundos," a self-titled album that followed in 1994.
Trevino has charted 14 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and recorded seven studio albums. His highest charting single, "Running Out of Reasons to Run," spent one week at No. 1 in 1997 on the Billboard Country Chart. "Learning As You Go" and "She Can't Say I Didn't Cry" also reached No. 1 on the Radio & Records Country Chart.
Reserved seat tickets are: first four rows (A-D), $27.50; remainder of floor, $25; standard balcony, $20; and balcony box (includes concessions), $50.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com
America coming to Holly Hall
America, the perennial classic-rock favorite, is continuing to celebrate its 50th anniversary with its powerful performances and is set to perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 24, in the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.
Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate, the late Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.”
America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first No. 1 single. Their best-known tunes, include “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair.”
Reserved seat tickets range from $39.50 to $79.50 (plus taxes & fees), depending on seating.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.buddyhollyhall.com
Holly Hall hosting 'Encanto' sing-along event
"Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert" is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 in the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.
From the Disney movie that is warming hearts all over the world, Disney Concerts and Live Nation bring you Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert, where Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award® winning film comes to life in a one-of-a-kind concert event, featuring the entire feature-length film and an on-stage band celebrating all the record-breaking hit songs from the beloved soundtrack. Live characters do not appear as part of this event.
Reserved seat tickets range from $39.50 to $79.50 (plus taxes & fees), depending on seating.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.buddyhollyhall.com
Aguilar brings comedy to civic center
Mario Aguilar brings his new comedy show to Lubbock at 10 p.m. Friday, July 29, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center theater.
"Ser Loca no es Facil" if you enjoyed, "Celosa yo? Jamás..!!" prepared to be filled with laughter. The show is complete with dancers, music, humor and fun for the whole family.
Mario awaits you with all of his characters.
Tickets for this show range from $45 to $75 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com
Live comedy coming to Cactus stage
James Gregory, the "funniest man in America," will present a live comedy show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30 at the Cactus Theater.
For decades, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.
Gregory is heard weekly on syndicated radio shows such as Rick and Bubba, John Boy and Billy and Bob and Tom. Combined, these shows are broadcast to people in over 220 cities nationwide. As a result, he now has a grass-roots following that numbers in the millions.
Tickets for this show are: first 6 rows on floor (rows A-F) $59.50; remaining rows on floor (G-M), $49.50; standard balcony, $39.50; and balcony box (includes concessions), $99.50.
For more information, visit www.cactustheater.com.
Classic rock's Journey coming to USA
Rock n' Roll hall of famers Journey are coming to Lubbock's United Supermarkets Arena at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 30.
World-renowned for their legendary rock anthems including “Any Way You Want It”, “Faithfully”, “Lights” and "Don't Stop Believin'", streamed over one billion times alone, Journey has sold more 100 million albums globally since their formation in 1973.
With 19 top 40 singles and 25 gold and platinum albums, their "Greatest Hits" album, 15 times platinum, makes Journey one of the few bands to ever achieve diamond-certified status.
Ticket prices with fees are $91.75, $86.75 and $78.75, depending on seating.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com
Moonlight Musicals presents 'Newsies'
Moonlight Musicals presents Disney's "Newsies" Aug. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20 at the Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre, 413 E. Broadway.
It’s time to carry the banner on your stage with Disney’s "Newsies." Set in turn-of-the century New York City, "Newsies" is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.
Tickets are $18 each, including fees. Doors open at 7 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m. Seating is general admission, open grass/concrete tiered seating. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit moonlightmusicals.com
Prather, Ragamuffins bring humor to Cactus
Chad Prather and the Ragamuffins are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Cactus Theater.
Most of us are born into this world kicking and screaming, but Chad Prather most certainly came out laughing. The comedian, musician and armchair philosopher is an unapologetic champion for anyone looking for a reason to smile. Prather’s God-given gift to entertain and inspire has made him a household name, and he’s grown accustomed to captivating millions of viewers on any given day.
Prather is joined by a trio of accomplished Texas musicians — collectively known as The Raggamuffins — for a one-of-a-kind experience bridging his love for comedy and music into a memorable evening.
Tickets are: floor, first 6 rows (A-F), $35; remainder of floor (G-M), $30; standard balcony, $25; and balcony box (includes concessions), $60.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com
Frampton, others to mark Buddy's birthday
Texas will come alive as Grammy-winning superstar Peter Frampton, rock guitar pioneer Duane Eddy and special guests take the stage for Buddy Holly’s 85th Birthday Celebration with a star-studded lineup of guitar and songwriting legends.
The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Buddy Holly Hall.
Legendary BBC broadcaster Bob Harris OBE will serve as master of ceremonies for the once-in-a-lifetime show, featuring Frampton, Eddy and fellow rock & roll trailblazers James Burton, Steve Cropper, Albert Lee, Garry Tallent, Joe Louis Walker, Sonny West and others for “An Evening of Conversations and Song” honoring Lubbock’s most celebrated native son.
Buddy Holly’s 85th Birthday Celebration is produced in cooperation with the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation which provides education in songwriting, production and performance to young talent through scholarships, workshops and creative retreats, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, whose mission is to engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll, and the Lubbock Entertainment & Performing Arts Association (LEPAA).
Reserved seat tickets range from $50 to $175 (plus taxes & fees), depending on seating.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.buddyhollyhall.com
Hub City Beach Party set for Aug. 6
Join in the fun at the 17th Annual Hub City Beach Party at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in the Depot District.
The ever-popular Landsharks band will return to headline the event. This band has played for the event every year and they continually put on a fantastic show.
At this event, you will see Lubbock’s only beach complete with sand, water, beach umbrellas and sharks. A live auction, the Lost Shaker of Salt treasure hunt and delicious food are also part of this event.
Proceeds from the event benefit Foster*A*Life, which provides services and opportunities to abused and neglected children in the Lubbock area.
General admission tickets are $20 and available online at selectaseatlubbock.com
American Aquarium comes to Cactus
American Aquarium is set to perform live at the Cactus Theater at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7.
On American Aquarium’s new album Lamentations, Barham shines light on dark American corners with heartbreaking conversations, long looks in the mirror, and empathetic questions, all through songwriting that is clear without sacrificing its poetry, and direct without losing its humanity.
Tickets for this show are: reserved seats, floor and standard balcony, $20; limited balcony box seats (includes concessions), $50; and VIP Meet & Greet Experience (limited availability.), $100.
For more information, visit www.cactustheater.com
Cooper, Pecos and the Rooftops to play at Cook's
Kolby Cooper will co-headline with Pecos and the Rooftops on the big stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at Cook's Garage, 1002 Highway 87.
Special guest will be Dylan Wheeler.
Only three years out of high school, still living in his small East Texas hometown, Cooper started selling out shows and clocking millions of streams using only his songs as muscle, earning streaming numbers typically reserved for household names. Amassing over 113.5 million on demand streams to date, Cooper released his first EP as a signed artist, "Boy From Anderson County", via BBR Music Group / Wheelhouse Records in partnership with Combustion Music.
Pecos & the Rooftops are a close-knit group of friends from northeast Texas that came together while in college in Lubbock. The band is Pecos Hurley (vocals/acoustic guitar), Brandon Jones (rhythm guitar), Zack Foster (lead guitar), Kalen Davis (bass), and Garrett Peltier (drums). Their latest E.P. “Red Eye” was released Jan. 24, 2020.
General admission tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of the show (plus taxes and fees). PIT tickets are $35 in advance or $40 the day of the show (plus taxes and fees).
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cooksgarage.us
Lewis, Stateliners on tap at Holly Hall
Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.
Lewis grew up in Springfield, Vermont, listening to his grandparents’ country music 8-tracks. Those roots inspired the multi-platinum front man and founder of Staind to return to his origins and since has quietly made an impact on country music.
With a decade invested in a genre that’s seen him record with George Jones, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and more, he has claimed two No. 1 Billboard Country Album debuts for his albums "Town Line and Sinner".
Lewis’ single, "I Am I The Only One", debuted on Billboard’s No. 1 Hot Country Song. His latest album "Frayed at Both Ends" was released in January, his most personal and unplugged work.
Reserved seat tickets range from $35 to $250 (plus taxes & fees), depending on seating a features package.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.buddyhollyhall.com
KoRn, Evanescence to perform for FMX Birthday Bash
The 41st FMX Birthday Bash presents KoRn and Evanescence, with special guests Palaye Royale and Dana Dentata on Sept. 7 at United Supermarkets Arena.
In their 14 years of togetherness, the L.A.-based KoRn has both survived and thrived, and the songs on their records are rife with detritus of decadence and lessons learned.
On the 2007 Family Values Tour, the band serves up its biggest stage show ever, and in the set list are songs they haven't performed in 10 years.
Korn, who have sold more than 25 million records worldwide and earned six Grammy nods and two wins to date, have upped the ante with each successive record and project, always innovators in the use of media, fan interaction, collaborations, business models, and most importantly, music.
Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock in 1995 by singer, pianist, and keyboardist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After recording independent albums, the band released their first full-length album, "Fallen", on Wind-up Records in 2003.
On the strength of hit singles "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal", "Fallen" sold more than 17 million copies worldwide and helped the band win two Grammy Awards out of six nominations.
Tickets range from $39 to $384 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating and with VIP packages available.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com
Tesla coming to Civic Center
Classic 80s hair band Tesla is coming to the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center at 8 p.m. Sept. 13.
Tesla may have been born in the mid-80s eruption of leather, spandex and big hair, but this band has never been about those things. Their soulful sound is strongly embedded in the roots of organic, authentic, 1970s rock — the same roots that produced bands like The Allman Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Aerosmith.
From their iconic hard rock hits, “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi” to their Top 20 ballad, “Love Song,” Tesla developed a strong fan base through the 80s and 90s. Their stripped down Five Man Acoustical Jam inspired many major bands to perform similar acoustic storytelling shows and produced one of their most well-known songs, a cover of Five Man Electrical Band’s “Signs.”
Tesla has continued to release new original music and sell out venues all over the world, giving audiences exactly what is expected — unpretentious, straightforward, bluesy rock and roll.
Tickets for this show range from $43 to $69 (plus taxes and fees). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit selectaseatlubbock.com
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock entertainment in brief
