Summer Season 2017 Announced at Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts

Few gifts in the history of New Mexico can measure up to that of the Spencer Theater, a year-round performing arts center built in 1997 by the late Jackie Spencer - an energetic woman with big dreams and altruistic ideas.

The life-long lover of the arts lived in Lincoln County for over 50-years. After raising three children in the little town of Carrizozo, Jackie & her husband Dr. A.N. Spencer moved up the mountain to Alto where she became increasingly intent upon building a first-class performance theater. Actual construction of her monumental $23-million-plus dream started in 1996. Thereafter, the award-winning, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) facility has become a major part of the community's life - economically, educationally and culturally.

Event and show patronage is vital to everything we do - here in the footlights and throughout in the community! So catch what's on stage this Summer Season - the Spencer's 20th - which kicks off in late May and runs through early September, and help keep the Spencer's finely tuned operations humming along. The packed calendar of action includes 15 shows and events running the gamut from classical piano and operatic vocalists, theatrical dance, country classics and bluegrass, pop rock, jazz, folk harmonies, dynamic disco, patriotic bands and tributes, and children's musical theatre.

Get your season tickets now! Series tickets (four or more shows) go on sale April 24 and single ticket, phone and web sales begin April 26. Call the Spencer Theater at 575.336.4800 or go online to our secure order site at www.spencertheater.com. You may also request a brochure with show descriptions to be mailed to your home or business.

Headlining the 20th summer season is double-whammy of a night Memorial weekend with the classic country praise music of The Blackwood Quartet and the legendary Larry Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers on Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m. (Concert tickets are $39-$69). This promises to be a night of pure western-styled gospel beauty with the Blackwood's favorite Christian melodies like "How Great Thou Art,' 'Put Your Hand In The Hand," "The Light House," Amazing Grace,' "Peace In The Valley,' and many other gospel classics. Western great Larry Gatlin, the eldest of the three Gatlin Brothers and writer of all their greatest hits including "All The Gold In California" and 'Houston," holds some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. His showcase of gospel and Gatlin favorites will open the second set of music at the Spencer, following The Blackwood Quartet. The duo of headliners will then come together in our stage lights for an extended encore of songs. This special evening is being sponsored in-part by Lynn & Bruce Morgan and Sandra & David Barrett.

Blooming in June:

• Stayin' Alive Saturday, June 3 at 8 p.m.. ($39-$69). Featuring matching vocals, spot-on instrumentals, swirling lights and inspiring moves, Stayin' Alive is the world's #1 tribute to The Bee Gees, that band of brothers loved for trademark high harmonies and blended sound: Night Fever, Jive Talkin, How Deep Is Your love, Nights on Broadway, To Love Somebody....Sponsored in part by Ron & Sandra Carroll. Green Chile Chicken Lasagna Buffet at 6 p.m. ($20).

• The Four Freshmen Saturday, June 10 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $59). Featuring precise vocal unity and instrumental flare, The Four Freshmen have a slew of timeless jazz and pop hits like It's A Blue World, Mood Indigo, Graduation Day, Angel Eyes, How Can I Tell Her, Whistle Me Some Blues, In This Whole Wide World, among others. Sponsored in-part by Karen & Bill Armstrong. Slow Roast BBQ Beef Brisket Buffet at 6 p.m. ($20).

• "Taste of the Spencer" Fundraiser Saturday, June 17 at 6 p.m. ($65, all inclusive). Hearty evening of hors d'eourves (carving stations, et al), fine wines, and the live & silent auction of trips, antiques, vehicles, art, jewelry, tools, sporting packages, fine clothing, collectibles and more. Proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts. Elegant fun!

• Reckless Kelly Friday, June 23 ($39-$59) Red Dirt, Texas country with original songs, introspective melodies and dynamic musicianship. The award-winning band of five is steeped in the Austin vibe. Sponsored in-part by Fusion Medical Spa. Chile Chicken Enchiladas & Rellenos Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

July Pops With A Sizzling Array On Stage:

• The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest Saturday, July 1 at 8 p.m. free; (reserved ticket required). Performing pop songs, Americana and traditionals, patriotism rings loud and clear with this 39 member professional military band from Texas. Sponsored in-part by Susanne O'Malley & Tom Neudauer. Pecan Smoked Pork Rib Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• All HANDS ON DECK! Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $69). Based on Bob Hope's 1942 USO war time tour for troops, this charismatic revue features a cast of singers, dancers, entertainers and a 9-piece orchestra: Chattanooga Choo-Choo, I'm In The mood For Love, Don't Fence Me In, Thanks For The Memory, and more. Sponsored in-part by First National Bank. Southern Fried Chicken Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Missoula Children's Theatre's "The Tortoise Versus The Hare" Friday, July 14 at 7 p.m. ($10 for children, $18 adults). Approximately 50 to 60 children, ages 6-17, needed for the musical's various parts. Auditions: Monday, July 10 at 9 a.m. No experience necessary. Weeklong theatre workshop is free. For information, call 575.336.4800. Sponsored by Ruidoso Ford.

• 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist Saturday, July 22 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $59). The best of the best in the world, the champion of this challenging quadrennial international piano competition shines in Spencer spotlights just a month after winning the Gold. Sponsored in-part by Lynda & Grady Shropshire. Lemon Piccata White Fish Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Shining A New Light On The Arts Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $59) An original juxtaposition of dramatic movement, classical singing and vigorous dance starring an international cast of singers and dancers (including Jackie Spencer's granddaughter Natalie Bancroft, the production's lead vocalist and artistic director), with music accompaniment by the Las Cruces Chamber Ensemble. Shrimp & Chicken Kebabs Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Crystal Gayle Saturday, August 5 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $89). The Grammy and CMA award winner showcases her crystalline vocals in her classic hits: Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, Cry Me A River, You, I Still Miss Someone, Don't Come Home a Drinking (With Lovin' on Your Mind) and more. Sponsored by Kay Bird, Sandy Erwin, Shirley Reed, Linda & Michael Stinson. Grilled Thin-Cut Pork Chops Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• The Lettermen Saturday, August 12 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $79). These pop harmony sensations claim 9 gold albums and scores of top singles: "The Way You Look Tonight," "Theme From A Summer Place," "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," and more.
Sponsored in-part by Rainmakers Golf Community. Austin Blue Smoked Pork Loin Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone Saturday, August 19 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $89) British '60's pop-rock sensations: I'm Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter, I'm Henry VIII. Sponsored in-part by Rosemary & Rolla Hinkle III and Rainmakers Golf Community. Angus Beef Green Chile Meatloaf Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Thursday & Friday, August 24 & 25 at 8 p.m. ($39 - $79). Country & Bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs, a 14-time Grammy Award winner, appears with his sizzling hot band Kentucky Thunder on mandolin, guitars, up-right bass, banjo, fiddles and beautifully blended vocals. Sponsored by the R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation.

• The Everly Brothers Experience featuring The Zmed Brothers
Saturday, September 2 at 8 p.m. ($39 & $69). Together with their band, the Zmed brothers create a genuine and youthful Everly Brothers Experience in spot-on performance of pivotal tunes: All I Have To Do Is Dream, Till I Kissed you, Wake Up Little Susie, Bye Bye Love, and more. Sponsored in-part by Beth & Frank Sayner. Baked Red Bird Chicken Buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

The Spencer Theater is at 108 Spencer Road, Airport Highway 220, Alto, NM. Business hours are 9 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For tickets or information call the box office at (575) 336-4800 or toll free at 888.818.7872. Visit www.spencertheater.com.

Summer Season 2017 is sponsored in part by The Hugh Bancroft Jr. Foundation, Eleganté Lodge & Suites, KOBR Channel 8, MTD Media, Walton Stations of New Mexico with additional season support from, Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso Ford-Lincoln, R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation, Su Casa Magazine, Rainmakers Golf & Lifestyle Community, Comcast Spotlight, KEDU 102.3 FM Big Oldies, Burt Broadcasting, Carlsbad Radio, Majestic Communications, Ruidoso.net, and First National Bank of Ruidoso.

Spencer Theater is a world-class performance hall located in the Sacramento Mountain settlement of Alto, about 12 miles north of midtown Ruidoso. Unique architecture, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and excellent artistry are the Spencer's celebrated features. The elegant, award-winning hall, which first raised its curtains in 1997, seats 514, with no seats farther than 67 feet from the 4,770 square-foot stage. The Spencer also has a 964 square-foot outdoor stage that can seat 1,500. Four permanent installations of Chihuly hand-blown glass further adorns the hall. From its Spanish mica-flecked limestone face to the crystal lobby, the building itself is a work of art. Free public tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. Donations are accepted!