A novel discussion, Pat Green, 'Roll With It' at Cinemark among this week's entertainment

WT’s May Great Books Series to highlight story by Amarillo native George Saunders

CANYON — A tale of a worker in a dystopian theme park who struggles to escape the grind is in the spotlight in the next installment of West Texas A&M University’s Great Books Series.

Greg Rohloff, a part-time English instructor at both WT and Amarillo College, will lead the discussion of George Saunders’ “Ghoul” at 7 p.m. May 9 via Zoom.

The discussion series — sponsored by the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities — is open to those who either have or haven’t read the book, said Dr. Daniel Bloom, Great Books organizer and associate professor of philosophy.

“Ghoul,” published as part of Saunders’ “Liberation Day” collection and can be read online at the New Yorker, is ultimately about the dissolution of the American workplace and the devaluation of work, Rohloff said, though it’s told through the framework of a haunted-house employee whose work-life balance are thoroughly out of whack. “‘Ghoul’ starts out with a simple characterization of the main character, and, through details, starting with the description of the provided lunch as a thin soup with a Kit Kat floating in it, that takes a reader into a bizarre world without simply screaming on the page that no soup should ever have a candy bar floating in it as its prime source of nutrition,” Rohloff said. “Saunders is subtle in reaching readers.”

Saunders, who was born in Amarillo, teaches creative writing at Syracuse University. His novel “Lincoln in the Bardo” won the Booker Prize in 2017, and his short stories have frequently appeared in the New Yorker.

WT professors and guest lecturers lead the monthly Great Books discussions. The series began in 2011 and is traditionally held on the second Tuesday of the month. To register for the May discussion, email Bloom at dbloom@wtamu.edu.

AMoA to host Texas Panhandle Student Art Show

The Texas Panhandle Student Art Show, which runs through Friday, May 12 at the Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA), is an opportunity for students to exhibit and compete in the area of visual art. All eligible entries will be displayed and participating students will receive certificates.

Senior portfolios may be hung by participating students and will be judged for eligible scholarships. Artwork will be judged for 10 Individual Best of Show Awards and a Best of Show Portfolio with each winner receiving an honorarium from the Amarillo ISD Arts Department. The Education Credit Union also sponsors 2 Georgia O’Keeffe Excellence in Art & Creativity Awards for one middle school and one high school student. The ECU will also award a scholarship to one senior portfolio student. AC and WT will award scholarships based on portfolio review and interviews conducted during Scholarship Night.

The Texas Panhandle Art Education Association will also present awards. A ceremony and closing reception on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the museum will honor these winners and all participating students.

Elementary artwork is encouraged for exhibition; however, awards are only eligible for secondary art students.

The Amarillo Museum of Art is located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College. Hours are Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For additional information, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, or call (806) 371-5050 or (806) 371-5392 (weekends).

Sculpture exhibition on display in WT’s Fitz Gallery

CANYON — A student sculptor will be featured in the final art exhibition of the school year at West Texas A&M University. “Limbo” by Tiahna-Dawn Brecheisen, a senior studio art major from Amarillo, will be on view through May 20 in the Dord Fitz Formal Gallery in Mary Moody Northen Hall. Brecheisen’s exhibition combines ceramics, family memorabilia and recycled objects in a salon-style gallery setting that represents home. She said this semester has been her greatest challenge as an artist.

Also on view in the Northen atrium are posters from graphic design students of all classifications.

Fitz Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and by appointment Fridays and Saturdays. Email jrevett@wtamu.edu.

Green returns to Panhandle

Pat Green returns to Amarillo on Thursday, May 11, at the Moon Palace at The Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Credited as one of Texas country’s modern-era founding fathers, Green has traveled many roads in the 25 years since his debut album, "Dancehall Dreamer". A Grammy nominated singer-songwriter with a restless creative spirit, his career has gone beyond the bounds of a “country star” to include the work of a painter, sculptor, philanthropist, family man and more. But one constant has remained – his vision.

Combining Southwestern country traditions with the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, and adding in a poet’s literary flourish, it was Green’s vision which brought the organic, true-to-yourself Texas style to the country mainstream in the early 2000s. His vision paved the way for a generation of fiercely-independent Texan talent, and with the new album, "Miles and Miles of You", that vision is focused like never before.

Tickets for the show, for those 18 and older, range from $20 to $150 (plus taxes and fees). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Kent returns to Starlight Ranch

Corey Kent makes his return to Amarillo on Friday, May 12, at 8 p.m. in the Moon Palace at Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive.

Rising singer/songwriter Kent has been writing and performing for nearly two decades. His tenacity, entrepreneurial mindset and drive matched with his vocal prowess and raw, relatable lyrics have helped Kent rise among the many.

Self-described as an “old soul,” Kent finds himself musically at the intersection of rock-infused country, heartland values and red dirt grit. His Texas hustle has poised him as Nashville’s next star power.

Having developed his live show for over 15 years, the entertainer has shared stages with acts such as Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson and Eli Young Band. Drawing inspiration from The Eagles, Keith Richards, Turnpike Troubadours and more, Kent’s undeniable stage presence and bandana-wearing Rock ‘N’ Roll spirit comes to life on the stage.

Tickets for this show, for those 18 and older, range from $20 to $150 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating and VIP features. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Cinemark to screen 'Roll With It' starring comedian

Cinemark Hollywood 16 - Amarillo, 9100 Canyon Drive, is hosting a big-screen showing of "Roll With It" starring comedian Chonda Pierce at 7 p.m. May 9 and 11, and at 3 p.m., May 13.

Grab your friends for a laugh-out-loud and sing-out-loud comedy starring Chonda Pierce. Facing the unexpected foreclosure on her home, Bonnie a small-town Biscuit Barrel waitress takes on her biggest fears — and the toughest singing competitors around — in hopes of winning the big cash prize in the karaoke contest at the County Fair. With the help of her family, and friends that are family, Bonnie is ready to … roll with it.

Tickets for this screening are $12.45 and available online at www.fathomevents.com/events

Plainview library hosts Texas author at Fair Theater

The city of Plainview’s Unger Memorial Library will be hosting a book signing with Taylor Moore, Texas author, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Fair Theater, 717 Broadway.

Moore is the author of "Down Range and Firestorm", an action-thriller series featuring Garrett Kohl. His latest book, "Ricochet", will be released on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

A sixth-generation Texan who grew up on a farm and ranch northwest of Houston, Moore is a former CIA Intelligence Officer who worked in both analysis and operations and later consulted for the Department of Defense in Theater Security Cooperation, Force Protection, and Counternarcotics. He now lives in the Texas Panhandle with his wife and two children, where he is a full-time author, screenwriter and speaker.

"Down Range and Firestorm" will be available for purchase at the event; cash, check or credit cards are welcome.

For more information about the event, contact Unger Library at (806) 296-1149, and for more information about Taylor Moore, visit www.taylormoorebooks.com.

Stoney LaRue to take stage at Starlight

Stoney LaRue takes the stage in Amarillo on Saturday, May 13, at 8 p.m. at the Moon Palace at Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive.

For nearly two decades Stoney LaRue has sustained a seminal music career that was dug straight out of the red dirt in Oklahoma. His rock infused country “tude” coupled with a dominating set of vocal pipes quickly identified him as a rising star.

Twenty years later, LaRue has “been there” and “done that” in almost every facet of the music hemisphere.

Sold out shows in a continuous 200 plus dates a year tour schedule, high charting albums on Billboard, iTunes and the Texas Regional Radio Chart, featured videos on CMT, over 1 million albums and singles sold, guest vocal performances on songs by Lee Ann Womack and Miranda Lambert, shared stages with some of the biggest names in country music and a most coveted debut performance at Nashville’s renowned Grand Ole Opry.

Tickets for this show, for those 18 and older, range from $20 to $150 (plus taxes and fees) depending seating and VIP features.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Spring piano recital set

An annual spring piano recital for piano students at Impact Expressions School of the Arts in Amarillo is set for May 21 at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. Instructor is Andreanna Hawbaker.

The recital, featuring performances by 20 young musicians, is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. in WT’s Fine Arts Complex Recital Hall. A reception will follow.

Impact Expressions School of the Arts, 6461 S. Western St., provides a variety of dance classes, from ballet to hop hop, and beginning, intermediate and advanced piano instruction for students of all ages in a Christian environment.

For more information, contact IE at (806) 414-5358.

Muttfest to benefit Amarillo SPCA

Amarillo SPCA presents Muttfest on May 21 at Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive.

Voted one of the top three festivals in Amarillo, this free, fun, themed event will benefit the Amarillo SPCA. Bring your fur babies for a fun afternoon of food, beverage, live music, vendor booths and more. Festivities include a silent auction; shot clinic by Lone Star Veterinary Services; vendors; canine contests.

The family-friendly event also includes miniature golf and food and alcohol for purchase. Participants are asked to be responsible and pick up after their pets. No outside food, beverages or coolers will be allowed. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

For more information, call (806) 290-2883 or (806) 671-6115 or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com.

Summer kickoff set for May 27

Family Fun Festivals of Amarillo is hosting its third annual summer kickoff event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 at Starlight Ranch.

Admission is free and will include Lindsey Lane; bounce houses; miniature golf; axe throwing; pony rides; a petting zoo; face painting; food trucks; vendors; and performances by the Amarillo Little Theatre and Amarillo Performing Arts Center.

All funds raised will be used toward event costs with the remainder being donated to Against All Odds, a new organization in Amarillo that provides housing, support and education for young adults who have aged out of foster care.

Learn more on the Facebook and Instagram pages @againstalloddstx

Vendor registration is available at forms.gle/ZReP6m2MRrh4sAKDA

For sponsor information, email info@familyfunfestivals.org

Diamond tribute benefits Ronald McDonald House

A Diamond and Gold Concert: A Tribute to Neil Diamond, honoring the music of Neil Diamond and featuring Amarillo's own Dean Yates, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 1 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

Yates has been a consummate performer in the Amarillo area for many years. Upon graduation from college, he passed the audition and was selected to perform as a lead guitarist for Dennis Yost of Classics IV fame.

Yates traveled across the country performing the million-selling hits "Spooky", "Stormy", "Everyday with You Girl", and "Traces of Love" at concerts, club dates and even at the White House. He has also performed in plays for theater and improv shows as part of the acting troupe, Merely Players.

Currently, Dean can be seen in the Amarillo area as a solo artist, and as a founding member of the band,Insufficient Funds.

Ticket sales for this show benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Amarillo and are $20 each (including fees). Tickets are available online at panhandletickets.com, by phone (806) 378-3096, in person at the Amarillo Civic Center box office and at participating United Supermarkets; Participating stores in Amarillo, Canyon, Borger, Dumas, Dalhart, Hereford and Pampa.

Young to perform at Starlight Ranch

Brett Young takes the stage at Starlight Ranch in Amarillo on Friday, June 2, at 8 p.m. on the Starlight Ranch main stage.

Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound, aptly dubbed "Caliville" style. With an undeniable string of seven No. 1s - "In Case You Didn't Know,” and “Mercy” being 2 of them - and two albums defined by a transcendent romantic spark, he has cemented his status as Country's master over matters of the heart.

Tickets for this show are $35 to $125 (plus taxes and fees) depending on on seating and VIP features.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Starlight Ranch hosts crawfish festival

Pinch, peel, eat, repeat.

Amarillo’s annual crawfish festival is set for Saturday, June 3 at Starlight Ranch. Come on out and chow down on some freshly boiled Louisiana crawfish, food trucks from around the panhandle, and cold beer. There will be music by John D. Williams, along with a bounce house park and face painting for the kids.

Williams recently appeared on ESPN’s halftime show for The Liberty Bowl and is the official performer for the Dallas Cowboys. No two shows are the same. Playing Americana that’s the perfect mixture of country, rock, blues, soul, and boogie.

General admission tickets are $10; general admission with 2 pounds of crawfish are $30; VIP tickets are $65; and raffle tickets are $5 (plus taxes and fees). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/

Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition coming to Amarillo

The internationally acclaimed Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is coming to Amarillo on June 9 and runs through July 23. It will be the inaugural exhibit at the newly renovated Sunset Center in Amarillo, now called Arts in the Sunset.

This globally successful exhibit has been all around the world from Shanghai to Chicago, Phoenix, Berlin, Vienna and more. Tickets are on sale today and can be purchased online at artsinthesunset.org.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is a collection of the artist’s renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, reproduced in a format allowing viewers to be faceto-face with the masterpieces. Through artfully displayed reproductions, this innovative presentation brings the audience just a few feet away from world-renowned pieces like The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.

Arts in the Sunset is located at 3701 Plains Blvd. The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., with the last entry at 6 p.m. On Sundays, the exhibit will be open from 1-5:30 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. The exhibit is wheelchair accessible. Viewing time is estimated between 60 and 90 minutes. Tickets rangefrom $19 to $26.50, based on age and time of day.

Proceeds from the exhibit will benefit the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC), Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle (CCTXP), the Amarillo Art Institute and the Amarillo Cultural District of the Texas Commission on the Arts.

AMoA hosting Art After Hours on June 9

Amarillo Museum of Modern Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St., is hosting an Art After Hours event from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, June 9.

This after-hours celebratory event is designed to attract an audience interested in broadening their understanding and appreciation of art. Now in its eighth year, artafterdark is a unique event that incorporates art + music + food + drinks as a fresh way to explore all facets of the exhibitions on view. Hands on art activities and gallery hunts further enhance the evening experience. Exhibitions include Jun Kaneko; Terry Allen; ArtSpace: Pop Imagery; and selections from the Dr. and Mrs. William T. Price Collection of Asian Art.

Food will be provided by Reagan's Brick Oven Pizza and there will be a full bar with a Signature Cocktail and giveaways by Still Austin Whiskey Co. Dessert will be provided by SheSheCakes with music by Charlie Shafter & Matt Martindale. There will also be games, art activities, and a Clue Gallery Hunt with prizes.

Cost is $30 per person with AMoA members admitted for free. Memberships and tickets will be available at the door.

Gatto bringing comedy show to Amarillo

Joe Gatto, a well-known comedian, actor, and producer, is best known for the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index" brings his comedy show to the Amarillo Civic Center on June 11, 2023.

Gatto is one of the founding members of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe who has toured with a live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world, including legendary arenas, such as Madison Square Garden in New York and the O2 Arena in London. Gatto is a co-host of the “Two Cool Moms” Podcast and has also appeared on hit podcasts including This Past Weekend with Theo Von, What A Joke with Papa and Fortune and Life is Short with Justin Long.

Joe loves spending time with his two children and his ever-growing pack of rescue dogs affectionately known as the “Gatto Pups.”

Tickets are now available online at panhandletickets.com, by calling the Amarillo Civic Center box office at (806) 378-3096 or at area United Supermarkets.

HPPR Ambassador Tour concerts include Pampa, Amarillo

High Plains Public Radio (HPPR) is taking HPPR's Living Room Concert Series on the road across the High Plains. "By rekindling the HPPR Ambassador Tours, we're welcoming fabulous folk, Americana, country, jazz and acoustic artists to venues in our wide listener region," the website states.

An HPPR Ambassador Tour with Ruth Ellen Lynch & Jazz Plus includes shows in Kansas, as well as Pampa on June 22 at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center at 6 p.m.

Other upcoming concerts include Goldpine on Tuesday, May 30 in Pampa at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center (6 p.m.); Thursday, June 1 in Panhandle at the Buffalo Grass Music Hall (time TBD); and Friday, June 2 in Amarillo at the Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast (doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.).

Acoustic guitarist Beppe Gambetta performs Friday, Sept. 29 in Amarillo at the OT Brewing Company at 7 p.m., followed by Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Buffalo Grass Music Hall in Panhandle and Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center in Pampa at 6 p.m.

In addition, Everhart's The Church at Austin Park Concert Series has announced spring and fall concert dates. The series opened with the Randy Boys on March 25. On April 29, Bob Livingston will perform, followed by Susan Gibson on May 27, The Limeliters on June 24, Michael Hearne on Sept. 30, Panhandle Songwriters hosted by Mike Fuller on Oct. 28, and Mike Blakely on Dec. 2. Shows take place at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 2525 Wimberly Road in Amarillo.

For more information, visit hppr.org.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo entertainment in brief for the week of May 7, 2023