Entertainment
Shakespeare in Canyon, Chalk It Up among this week’s entertainment
Newly announced: Amarillo Symphony presents ‘Symphony Spooktacular’ concert for all ages
Get ready for a bewitching evening of music as the Amarillo Symphony joins forces with the WTAMU Orchestra and choirs from WTAMU and Canyon High School for “Symphony Spooktacular,” a family-friendly Halloween concert on Friday, Oct. 25. Two performances will be held at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, at 6 and 8 p.m.
Thrill to hauntingly beautiful melodies from iconic soundtracks like “Harry Potter,” “Skyrim,” and “Halo,” as well as other beloved Halloween classics. The concert will also feature the talent of WTAMU student soloist Justin Williamson, recipient of the Eric Barry Vocal Competition. Come dressed in your most creative and spooky costumes and enjoy an immersive experience the whole family will enjoy.
Tickets went on sale for subscribers on Wednesday, July 17; ticket sales are open to the general public on Monday, July 22. Student and group discounts and special rates are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (806) 376-8782.
ALT Academy presents ‘The Lightning Thief’
The Amarillo Little Theatre Academy and Sparkman Orthodontics will bring you on a “Killer Quest” this summer with “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” The show has been presented the weekends of July 12 and July 19 at the ALT Adventure Space, located at 2751 Civic Circle. The remaining show time is 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21.
Based on the modern classic young adult novel, the tale follows Percy Jackson as he discovers that he is the son of one of the Greek gods. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen, Percy has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods.
Tickets are $22 for ages 12 and older and $18 for those under 12. For more information, call the ALT box office at (806) 355-9991 or go online to their website, www.amarillolittletheatre.org.
‘Impressionists Immersive Exhibition’ at Arts in the Sunset on display through July 27
The Amarillo Art Institute’s (AAI) Arts in the Sunset is presenting the highly acclaimed “Impressionists Immersive Exhibition,” which has extended its run through July 27.
“Impressionists” brings to life paintings by the revolutionary movement’s famed artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Morisot, Manet, Degas, Pissarro, Gauguin, Cezanne, and Toulouse-Lautrec. An immersive room creates a multi-sensory experience, with more than 1,000 moving masterpieces projected on screens and 3D interactive panels. The up-close setting will feature such well-known pieces as “Starry Night,” “Water Lilies,” “Waiting,” “In the Conservatory” and many more.
The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., with the last entry of admission at 6 p.m. On Sundays, the exhibit will be open from 1 until 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15-$25. For more, see artsinthesunset.org.
Amarillo College hosts annual sidewalk art contest Chalk It Up on July 27
Chalk It Up, the summertime sidewalk art contest at Amarillo College that has brought original creations every year since its inception in 2017, takes place Saturday, July 27 on AC’s Washington Street Campus.
Collaboratively sponsored by AC and Panhandle PBS, the contest features artists – either as individuals or teams of up to four – creating their works on 8-foot squares at the Oeschger Family Mall, located between the Ware Student Commons and the College Union Building.
The competition is from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by judging and a ceremony to announce the winners. Cash prizes will be awarded – $500 for first place, $250 for second, $100 for third, and $50 for Fan Favorite. In addition to voting for their favorite, observers also are invited to create drawings with their kids in the “amateur’s area,” where chalk will be made available, and everyone is welcome to give it a try.
WT’s Third High Plains Piano Extravaganza set for July 27
CANYON — Eleven top area performers are tuning up for the third High Plains Piano Extravaganza. The free concert is set to begin at 3 p.m. July 27 in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex Recital Hall on WT’s Canyon campus.
Several renowned musicians will join forces on one or more pianos to perform works from the likes of Frances Poulenc, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Scott Joplin, Thomas H. Kerr Jr., Carlos Guastavino, Ernesto Lecuona and Richard Rodney Bennet.
In addition, a silent auction will raise funds for the Amarillo Music Teachers Association teacher enrichment fund, which helps pay for Music Teachers National Association membership for new piano teachers. AMTA is a chapter of MTNA, the premier national music teachers association, which provides networking, continuing education and student opportunities for independent music teachers. Funds also will support scholarships for junior high and high school students who wish to attend the WT Piano Camp, which launched this year. Campers have the chance to study solo and chamber music with WT faculty members and guest teachers, as well as performance opportunities.
The 11 performers, who’ll play in various configurations, at the Extravaganza will include Choong-ha Nam, professor in the School of Music in WT’s Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities; Dr. Sarah Rushing, WT assistant professor of music; Stephen Simpson, WT administrative associate and piano teacher; and Denise Parr-Scanlin, retired WT professor of music. Performers also will include Amarillo Opera pianist Dr. Sunyong Hwang; First Baptist Church of Amarillo organist Dr. Sunghwan Kim; and area piano teachers Debra Wilcox, Adrianne Sage, Eileen Moss, Andreanna Hawbaker and Julia O’Dell.
‘Texas the Outdoor Musical’ holding its 58th season, Shakespeare in July
CANYON — TEXAS the Outdoor Musical is presenting its 58th season, every Tuesday through Sunday, June 6 to Aug. 3 at the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon.
“Shakespeare in the Canyon,” will be featured at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, July 23 and 30. The Shakespeare in the Canyon series centers on the bard’s most famous and magical comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Special themed foods will be available in the concession stand.
The TEXAS show brings to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s through its fictional characters. The amphitheatre, box office and parking opens at 6 p.m. each night, with a BBQ dinner (must be pre-purchased) at 6:15 p.m., pre-show entertainment at 6:45 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. Amphitheatre seating opens at 7:40 p.m. Discounts are available for seniors, military and West Texas A&M University staff/faculty/students to come see both of the shows. Tickets and more information are available at texas-show.com or by calling the Box Office at 806-651-2181.
‘Photography is Art’ exhibit on display at AMoA
The exhibition “Photography is Art” will be on display through Aug. 11 at the Amarillo Museum of Art, located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College.
Art museums have not always embraced photography. One of the earliest museum efforts to define the medium’s contribution to the arts came in the mid-1930s, when New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) asked its librarian, Beaumont Newhall, to create an exhibition survey of photographic history. That 1937 show led to a 25-year debate inside MoMA over whether to treat photographs as works of personal expression on par with painting, or as vibrant, easily reproduceable tools for communication and persuasion.
This exhibition was originally organized by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art with objects from its expansive photography collection. The current presentation was reconceived as a team project with AMoA, the Art Museum of South Texas, and Ellen Noël Art Museum. The artworks tell a story of American photographers’ efforts, from the late nineteenth century on, to explore and proclaim photography’s artfulness.
Museum 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).
Cinergy hosting Kids Summer Movie Series, now through Aug. 15
Cinergy Entertainment Group is holding its “Kids Summer Movie Series” program, inviting families to celebrate summer vacation with a lineup of fun-filled, kid-friendly movies at a price of $2 per ticket at all Cinergy locations, including Amarillo. Cinergy also welcomes summer camps, church groups, and all other kid-focused associations down to check out the fun. Groups of 20 or more can also book concession packages and reserved seating, upon request.
Running Tuesday and Thursday from June 4 until Aug. 15th, the first matinee of the day will be dedicated to Cinergy’s Kids Summer Movie Series, featuring a lineup of fan-favorite and classic films. Showtime is at 10 a.m.
Upcoming events inlude a sensory friendly screening of “Despicable Me 4” on July 20.
Movie premieres slated for this month include “Twisters” on July 19 and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Didi” on July 26. Food and beverage specials include tornado potatoes and twisted tea for “Twisters” (July 19), and 44 oz collector cups, figural popcorn tubs and a featured cocktail for “Deadpool 4” (July 26).
Other upcoming films include “Migration,” “Bad Guys,” “Puss In Boots,” “Shrek” and “Spiderman 2023” in July, and “Smurfs 2” in August. Movies, dates, and titles vary by location, so be sure to check your local theater schedule at https://www.cinergy.com/specials.
Sunset Marketown being held Saturdays at Arts in the Sunset
Arts in the Sunset is debuting a new summer market this year. Sunset Marketown hosts more than 50 local artisans and artists booths, selling a variety of handmade items including soap, baked goods, skincare products, paintings, pottery, and more.
Sunset Marketown will be open every from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the AJ Swope Performance Plaza. The market will continue every Saturday until Sept. 28. This market will run alongside the Golden Spread Farmers Market, which also takes place at Arts in the Sunset.
High Noon on the Square concert series returns
Center City of Amarillo’s High Noon on the Square free concert series continues from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays on the Potter County Courthouse lawn at 501 S. Fillmore throughout July. Lunch is available for $10, cash only.
According to the season’s schedule, July 24 will have entertainment by the Amarillo Performing Arts Center, with chicken fingers by Raising Cane’s, and July 31 caps off the series with music by Insufficient Funds and hamburgers by Bubba’s 33.
Music in the Gardens concert series being held throughout June
Amarillo Botanical Gardens summer concert series, Music in the Gardens 2024, takes place 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at the gardens, located at 1400 Streit Dr.
In July, performers include Tennessee Tuckness & Friends, Andy Chase and the Rhythm Cats, and Sadie’s Rangers. August features Cameron James Smith, RAK-45, Jack Cryver Band, Touching Voodoo and Geezer’s Gone Wild.
Admission is $10 for the general public, and $5 for members. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Starlight Theater offers free live music performances in Sam Houston Park
The Starlight Theater free summer concert series returns Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Sam Houston Park in Amarillo, with live music, food trucks and family fun.
The live music lineup includes Party of 6 on July 23, Big G & The Tradewinds on July 30 and Insufficient Funds on Aug. 6. For more information, follow the Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook or see their page on the city’s website.
Starlight Ranch hosting concerts, tribute acts, Margarita Festival, more
The Starlight Ranch Event Center, located at 1415 Sunrise Dr., has a full lineup of concerts and festivals in the works as summer continues. Among performers and events listed on their website are the toadies (Aug. 31), the Amarillo Margarita Festival (Aug. 3), Neal McCoy (Oct. 4), Shane Smith and the Saints (Oct. 11), Wade Bowen (Oct. 26), as well as tribute acts for Taylor Swift (Reputation – July 26) and Linkin Park (In The End – Aug. 23) and more.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website, https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/ , follow them on Facebook or call 806-372-6000.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Farewell Tour stops by Amarillo July 28
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s All – The Good Times: The Farewell Tour will visit Amarillo on Sunday July 28. The show starts at 8 p.m. in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Various meet and greet packages are on sale, as well as general concert tickets.
Tickets are on sale at panhandletickets.com .
George Lopez to perform during tour stop in Amarillo Aug. 2
Grammy-nominated comedian, actor and TV host George Lopez has announced six new shows across Texas this summer 2024, including Corpus Christi, Amarillo, Midland, and Lubbock. The George Lopez: ‘Alllriiiighhttt, Texas!’ Comedy Tour will be at the Amarillo Civic Center on Aug. 2.
Lopez’s illustrious and multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy, and late-night television. He has broken ground for Latino comics by embracing his ethnicity, confronting racial stereotypes, and fighting for his community on and off the stage. Lopez stars in his multi-camera comedy series for NBC, “Lopez vs Lopez,” featuring his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez. The family sitcom, which has been renewed for its second season, follows George and Mayan in a fictionalized version of their real-life father-daughter relationship.
Tickets are on sale at panhandletickets.com .
AMA-CON returns Aug. 3-4
The annual AMA-CON Convention, presented by the Friends of the Amarillo Public Library, is set to take place 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 in the Amarillo Civic Center.
Events fans can look forward to include five cosplay contests, vendors offering everything from comic books to steampunk jewelry, the annual Geek Prom, an art show, sketch off, gaming tournaments, demonstrations, free play and more.
One- and two-day passes will be available for purchase. AMA-CON started in 2012 and has been growing ever since, serving more than 25,000 convention goers. Follow AMA-CON on Facebook and Instagram, visit libraryamacon.org, or call 806-378-3051 for updates and more information.
Ben Folds on tour, visits Amarillo Aug. 8
Ben Folds brings his Paper Airplane Request Tour to Amarillo on Thursday, Aug. 8. The show is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.
“Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation,” a concert announcement notes. “The Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.”
Celebrate America at Hodgetown with fireworks, food, and fun Sept. 7
Celebrate America and salute veterans at Hodgetown from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, with fireworks, food, music and fun.
The unforgettable evening under the stars will feature the Amarillo Symphony performing a selection of patriotic classics, film scores, previews of the Symphony’s 2024-25 season, beloved American favorites and a grand finale with the 1812 Overture and a fireworks display that will light up the night sky.
Amarillo Symphony Subscribers and Sod Poodle Season Pass Holders had pre-sale access to tickets starting June 20. Tickets open to the public on Tuesday, June 25.
VIP Tables are available on a limited basis; to reserve one, call the Amarillo Symphony office at 806-376-8782. Treat your group to a special night out with a variety of hospitality options, including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For more information, call 806-803-7762 or email groups@sodpoodles.com.
Magic of Motown to take the stage in Civic Center Sept. 7
Moxie Presents The Magic of Motown will begin its Amarillo show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium.
The Motowners show is a tribute to the many artists and songs from the Motown years. Attendees can expect to hear hits by the Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many more. The unique and family-friendly show is still a favorite, and its classic group sound and approach never loses its universal appeal.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit panhandletickets.com .
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