Page 64 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide

pERFORMING ARTS
For a Good Time Visit Las Vegas, NEW MEXICO by Kayt C. Peck
Outstanding entertainment prospers in Las Vegas, and we’re not talking Ne- vada. Las Vegas, New Mexico was an entertainment center from the time the town served on the frontiers of the American West and the Spanish/Mexican north. It provided talent and performances from very early Spanish-language theatre to the singers, plays, dancers and comedians when Las Vegas as the “Wildest of the Wild West.” Perhaps because of this tradition, even today the community benefits from an abundance of local talent far beyond that expected from a rural community of its size
Entertaining in itself, Footlights in the Foothills, Amateur Theatre in Las Vegas New Mexico and Fort Union: 1871 to 1899 by Edwina Portelle Rome- ro (available at the City of Las Vegas Rough Rider Museum and Tome on the Range), provide clues as to why performing arts remains rich in Las Vegas. Mu- sic and theater have long been integral to the community.
Local and nationally known folk musician Antonia Apodaca, 95, helped pre- serve the tradition of New Mexico Music (Música Nuevo Méxicana – including performing in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC). Although retired, her work still inspires current generations to maintain that musical tra-
Lisa Cisneros & Victor Ramirez of Nat Gold Players
dition with the band Lone Piñon as just one example. Local musician, Brenda Ortega (Female Vocalist of the Year in the 2016 New Mexico Hispano Music Awards), and her band regularly perform at various events and venues, offering a variety of music, featuring not only the award-winning Spanish songs written by her father, Juan Ortega, but also performing current popular and country western numbers. It would take many pages to list the accomplished musical performers in the area, but examples of their music can be heard every weekend and almost nightly at various venues.
Live theater prospers as well in Las Vegas with the local Nat Gold Players (taking top honors in two of the last four New Mexico AACTFest competitions) offering performances throughout the year. The music department at New Mex- ico Highlands University (NMHU) provides outstanding public performances, and the historic and beautiful Ilfeld Auditorium at NMHU hosts frequent per- formances both by local and traveling companies. Area schools, especially the theater department at nearby United World College-USA, also offer live theater.
Below is a list providing locations where information can be found for current performances:
Mark Gillingham and Beth Urec
Jamie Garcie & Bob Henssler of Nat Gold Players Contrafact band members Brenda Ortega
ThEATER ANd MUSIC
Nat Gold players (www.natgoldplayers.com; https://www.facebook. com/ngplvnmtheatre/) This company of players announces upcoming shows on their Facebook page and tickets can be purchased online at the website. The company specializes in original works, thereby nur- turing New Mexico playwrights. In addition to formal plays and shows, NGP also provides talent as living historians for local groups such as the Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation and Fort Union National Monument.
Meadow City Music Academy (https://meadowcitymusic.org/) In ad- dition to facilitating music instruction to nurture Las Vegas’ musical tra- dition, the group hosts top quality performances of many varieties of music and dance.
Ilfeld Auditorium ( http://www.nmhu.edu/ilfeld-auditorium/) – This histor- ic structure is worth a visit all on its own, but checking its calendar of events guides a visitor to a plethora of movies and live performances. United world College - USA (http://uwc-usa.org) The student body of this global international preparatory school periodically offers shows, fea- turing the performing arts traditions from around the world.
Music on the plaza Almost every Friday evening during the late spring, summer, and early fall, live music plays in the Plaza Park. Know it is BYOC – bring your own chair.
ONE-STOp-ShOp
COMMERCIAL vENUES
Borrachos (https://www.borrachos505.com/) This lively nightspot has a consistent schedule of performing arts groups. A visit to the website pro- vides the latest information.
The historic plaza and Castaneda hotels (http://www.plazahotellvnm. com/ http://castanedahotel.org/) Check the websites for current shows and events. As of this writing, the Castaneda, one of the original Harvey Houses, was under renovation. It is expected to be a major des- tination and entertainment hotspot when completed.
The historic SERF Theater (www.serftheatre.com) Now a community fa- cility owned by Dick’s Pub and Restaurant, it is a frequent venue for dances, music and other events. Check the website for schedules.
The Skillet Restaurant – Located on 12th Street near National, this quaint and funky place features great food and drink and offers entertainment including Thursday night karaoke. Drop by or ask around for entertain- ment schedules.
With the plethora of performing arts opportunities in Las Vegas, it is en- tirely possible something has missed by this article. For example, the Our Lady of Sorrows Church has one of the last operational historic Kilgen pipe organs and periodically hosts amazing concerts featuring that in- strument. If all else fails as a visitor seeks entertainment, ask a local. They may well have the absolute latest information.
Las vegas Arts Council (www.lasvegasartscouncil.org) The Las Vegas Arts Council maintains an events calendar that strives to list all arts based events in the community.
Travelers Cafe: Located on the northeast outside corner of the Las Vegas Plaza, this coffee house’s crowded front window and counters hold posters for performing arts and other community events.
Things to do in Las vegas Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 792728207469224/) Although informal, this Facebook page is frequently used by local groups to announce events.
64 | Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide 2019