Amarillo entertainment in brief for April 7, 2024

World-class organist to play world-class organ at First Presbyterian Church on April 7

First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo invites the public to hear one of the world’s acclaimed organists on one of the world’s largest organs.

The concert will take place on Sunday, April 7, featuring world-traveled concert organist Ken Cowan. The free performance will be at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 1100 S. Harrison St. A reception will follow the concert. Tickets are requested and may be acquired through: https://www.firstpres.com/pipe-organ .

According to his Rice University biography, Cowan is regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and is praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike. He maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Amarillo Little Theatre stages adaptation of Jane Austen classic 'Sense & Sensibility'

The Amarillo Little Theatre presents "Sense & Sensibility" at its ALT Adventure Space, Thursdays through Sundays, April 11-21.

Kate Hamill's playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel has a fresh female voice and follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters. Their lives are turned upside down when their father passes away suddenly, leaving them penniless and with reputations at stake. Together they must learn to mix sense with sensibility to find happiness in a society where love is ruled by money. Filled with humor, emotional depth and bold theatricality, this modern adaptation of the gossipy 18th century classic is a must-see for all audiences.

ALT has assembled a brilliant cast to bring this romantic comedy to life. The cast includes Kyndal Knapp as Elinor Dashwood, Sterling Knight as Marianne Dashwood, Sawyer Landry as Edward Ferrars, Hunter Russell as John Willoughby and Brad McBride as Colonel Brandon. Supporting roles and ensemble members include Lindsy Donathan, Brandon Graves, Elizabeth Hopkins, Joanna Kimbell, Justin Loe, Jennifer McClellan, Maddox Nite, Jenni Opalinski, Treva Oller, Jeffrey Pickens, Camille Suzanne, Jeri Tidmore and Alexis Williams.

This coming of age classic is being directed by Carrie Huckabay. Nolan Huckabay serves as assistant to the director and Aaron Huckabay serves as production assistant.

"Sense and Sensibility" examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. This witty and energetic production will be presented in the intimate setting of the ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. The show is rated PG.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. April 11 and 18; 8 p.m. April 12-13 and 19-20; and 2:30 p.m. April 14 and 21.

Tickets can be reserved online at www.tickets.amarillolittletheatre.org or by calling 806-355-9991.

Chaos reigns in WT Theatre’s farcical ‘Rumors’

CANYON — Though it’s set in an era of pastel colors and big shoulder pads, there’s nothing dated about the humor in the season-ending play from West Texas A&M University Theatre.

Student actors will stage Neil Simon’s farce “Rumors” at 7:30 p.m. April 11 to 13, plus 2:30 p.m. April 7 and 14, in the Branding Iron Theatre in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex on WT’s Canyon campus.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and non-WT students. WT students, faculty and staff are free with a Buff Gold Card.

Set at an elegant dinner party in late ’80s New York, “Rumors” is a romp about miscommunications and escalating disasters among the hoity-toity elite. Before the party begins, Charlie Brock, the deputy mayor of New York City who never actually appears on stage, has been wounded by a self-inflicted gunshot, and his wife is missing in action. As other guests arrive for the Brocks’ 10th-anniversary celebration, the gossip about what actually happened grows out of control.

For tickets, call 806-651-2810, email artsboxoffice@wtamu.edu or visit showtix4u.com/events/17516.

AMoA presents AC/WT student/faculty exhibition

The Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA) presents the Amarillo College / West Texas A&M University Student / FacultyExhibition, on display April 5 through April 21. An opening reception was held Friday, April 5, with gallery talks by WT and AC members.

Since 1972, Amarillo College and the West Texas A&M University Visual Arts Departments have enjoyed this partnership with AMoA. The exhibition showcases the best works from current students and faculty. Students learn to prepare work for the exhibition and gain a sense of pride in sharing their work with the community in the professional setting of the museum.

The Amarillo Museum of Art is located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College. 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).

Chamber Music Amarillo concert to be held April 13; Amarillo Symphony to perform April 19-20

The Amarillo Symphony, Chamber Music Amarillo and other local arts organizations have a busy April ahead.

The Town & Gown Community Band, with Dr. Gary Garner as conductor and Col. Larry H. Lang as guest conductor, will present their spring concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 at the West Texas A&M University's Mary Moody Northen Hall in Canyon. Come see the Amarillo Symphony's executive director guest conduct at this concert; admission is free.

Then, Chamber Music Amarillo presents its season finale, with the return engagement of pianist Diego Caetano, joined by the renowned Carpe Diem String Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the the AmTech Career Academy. They will be performing works by Korine Fujiwara (a violist in the quartet) and the Schumann Piano Quintet.

The concert repertoire includes Enrique Granados, Piano Quintet in g minor, Op. 49; Korine Fujiwara, Fiddle Suite Montana; and Schumann, Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44. A pre-concert talk will be held at 6:45 p.m.

Third, the Amarillo Symphony presents "Beethoven's 9th & HSQ" April 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

The 100th Anniversary season finale includes Beethoven's most beloved work with the Amarillo Master Chorale and special guest vocalists, plus new music written for the Harrington String Quartet by composer Christopher Theofanidis. George Jackson will be conducting.

For tickets, visit panhandletickets.com. For more information about the symphony and its centennial season, visit https://amarillosymphony.org/ .

WT Orchestra, Choirs to Honor Late George Biffle with ‘Requiem’ Performance

CANYON — A combined force of West Texas A&M University student musicians will perform a towering work of remembrance in honor of a beloved area music teacher. Paying tribute to the late George Biffle, the WT Symphony Orchestra and Choirs will join forces to perform Johannes Brahms’ “Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. April 13 in Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall.

General admission tickets are $10 for the public and free for WT students, faculty and staff with a Buff Gold Card. Tickets may be purchased at showtix4u.com/event-details/82918.

Biffle was head of choral activities at WT from 1992 to 2003.

“I can't overstate what an impact George Biffle had on choral singing in the Panhandle,” said Dr. Mark Bartley, director of orchestral activities, the Lilith Brainard Professor of Music and associate dean of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities. “His outstanding musicianship, memorable quips and love for his students won't soon be forgotten. This performance of the Brahms Requiem gives us the best way to pay tribute to the man, his work and his faith.”

The performance of “Requiem” also will feature vocal soloists Taylor Lindley, a soprano and graduate student in music performance from Pampa, and Dr. Sean Pullen, a baritone and WT director of choral activities.

The concert will be preceded by a fundraising dinner meant to establish a vocal music scholarship in Biffle’s name. Reservations for the dinner are due April 7.

Biffle died in December 2023 after a lifetime spent in vocal music education. He also taught at Austin Middle School, Amarillo High School, Amarillo College, McMurry University and the University of Western Alabama. The scholarship established in Biffle’s name is part of several ongoing efforts to raise $2 million for vocal scholarship endowments.

Lyle Lovett, Michael Martin Murphey to headline Rangeland Fire Relief Benefit April 21

Michael Martin Murphey’s Murphey Western Insititute is presenting a fundraising concert with iconic Texas artists Lyle Lovett and Michael Martin Murphey to help those ranching communities in that recovery.

The Rangeland Fire Relief Benefit Dinner and Concert is set for Sunday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Starlight Ranch Moon Palace, located at 1415 Sunrise Dr. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/rangelandbenefit or through http://www.michaelmartinmurphey.com/tour.

“Our mission at Murphey Western Insititute is to preserve and perpetuate the culture and resources of the American West which have influenced the regenerative management of grasslands with grazing animals around the world,” says Murphey, a longtime ranching advocate and genre-busting musical hitmaker. “I want to help people who have lost everything in the worst fire in Texas history.

A singer, composer and actor, Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Whether touring as a 'Duo' or with his 'Acoustic Group' or his 'Large Band,' Lovett's live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend's deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association's inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was named Texas State Musician.

A devoted environmentalist and ranching advocated, the multi-Grammy nominee, Murphey is perhaps best known for a slew of hits that have for the past 50 years topped Pop, Country, Western and Bluegrass Music charts. Among his best known hits include “Wildfire,” “Carolina In The Pines,” “What’s Forever For,” “Cowboy Logic,” “Long Line of Love,” “I’m Gonna Miss You Girl,” among others. Murphey is a native Texan who is now in the Western Music Hall of Fame and has also been recognized and awarded by notable organizations such as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Academy of Country Music, The Grammy Awards, the Country Music Association, and the Texas Music Awards.

For more about Starlight Ranch and its ongoing concert season, visit https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/ .

Cinergy hosts night of comedy April 27 in Amarillo

On Saturday, April 27, for one night only, Cinergy Cinemas & Entertainment will presents a night of uproarious comedy with its Live Comedy Showcase - “Cinergy is Funny” - featuring Jon "Polar Bear" Gonzalez, one of the most hilarious entertainers in the region.

The showcase promises non-stop laughter, an unforgettable performance, and a guaranteed good time for the Amarillo community. The event will be held at Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas, Amarillo, located at 9201 Cinergy Square. Doors open at 7:15 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25 along with a two-item food or beverage minimum per person, and are now available at www.cinergy.com/live-comedy-amarillo. You must be 17 or older to attend. Arriving early is recommended as the show is general admission and seating is limited. For more information, visit Cinergy at www.cinergy.com .

Gonzalez, a stand up comedian, podcaster, and entertainer, lives in the heart of Texas. After getting involved in the local comedy scene, he quickly found success through the release of multiple comedy skits which went viral receiving millions of views on Facebook and shortly after, TikTok. Since then, he has toured all over the country performing his live standup show.

The night will be hosted by Texas’s own husband-and-wife duo T.K. Matteson - comedian and producer known for his roles in High Class Poverty Comedy Tour, A Sense of Humor, and Being Ron Jeremy - and Kara Kimbrough, AKA “Kara with a K”, a former contestant on “America’s Got Talent”.

Amarillo Venom hosts home games, as well as concerts in May, June

Reyna Entertainment presents The Ice Man Paul Wall himself, coming to the Amarillo Venom game on May 18 at the Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan.

Paul Wall will perform a live concert immediately after the game vs. the Mississippi Raiders, and Tommy Ontheradio will be on deck spinning heat. Tickets went on sale at noon Monday for this CBS, Hulu televised game on panhandletickets.com. A VIP meet and greet will be held before the concert, including backstage access, premium seat, exclusive VIP party during the game backstage, VIP bar, autographed ball and Venom gear.

Reyna Entertainment is also presenting Don Louis live at the Amarillo Civic Center on June 15. The concert is set to begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are on sale now. Brace yourselves for an electrifying night featuring a stellar lineup of five bands, setting the stage on fire before Don Louis takes over, a concert announcement says. Secure your spot now at panhandletickets.com and join them for an unforgettable evening of music, energy, and pure excitement.

For more information about Amarillo Venom and Reyna Entertainment, visit their Facebook pages. For tickets, visit panhandletickets.com .

PPHM to host Dining with Giants gala in May

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum proudly announces that its next gala, Dining with Giants, a dinosaur themed affair, from 6 to 11 p.m. May 4. Seating is limited.

Guests will enter a Pioneer Hall transported back in time when giant dinosaurs roamed the earth and enjoy themed hors d’oeuvre and cocktails, silent auction items and more before the dinner begins.

Back this year, a fully engaging experience awaits the highest VIP levels in our Paleontology gallery with a special bar, themed hors d’oeuvres and exquisite service. This space will be limited.

Dinner will be served in the PPHM Derrick Room, where guests will enjoy a four-course meal "dining with giants." A live auction will be followed by dancing and drinks in the transformed Pioneer Hall.

WT art alumni to be featured in new exhibition

CANYON — More than 50 West Texas A&M University alumni are featured in a new art exhibition. WT’s first art program alumni exhibition will hang through April 27 in the Dord Fitz Formal Gallery inside Mary Moody Northen Hall.

The art program received nearly 170 submissions from 75 artists. Guest juror Deana Craighead, curator of art at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, selected 53 works to hang in the show — one each per artist chosen. Three alumni will receive cash prizes ranging from $500 to $1,500, to be announced at the opening reception.

“We are incredibly proud of these alumni, who represent graduates from the 1970s to just last year,” said Jon Revett, art program director and Doris Alexander Distinguished Professor of Fine Arts.

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

Amarillo’s first ever drone show at Hodgetown set for June 7-8

The Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to announce the addition of back-to-back drone light show performances at Hodgetown on June 7-8. The Sod Poodles have partnered with Sky Elements to bring 200 drones to light up the Amarillo sky and pay homage to Sod Poodles baseball and other iconic Amarillo history and imagery.

“We could not be more excited to bring our hometown the first-ever live drone show,” said Sod Poodles President & General Manager, Tony Ensor. “Our staff is constantly pushing to bring the biggest and best experiences possible to our deserving fans and this drone show fits in perfectly. These will be two can’t-miss nights that people will be talking about for a long time, so please get your tickets early. This major event would not be possible without great partners like Rush Lasik, Amarillo National Bank, Amarillo Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Sky Elements, who stepped up to make this happen. We cannot wait for our fans, most of whom will be seeing this futuristic technology for the first time, to enjoy the sky over Hodgetown being animated in a way never seen before.”

Sky Elements, based in Fort Worth, is the leading drone light show provider in the United States. Their experienced team has brought the art of drone light shows all across the country for community events, sports teams, businesses, artists, and major brands alike. The company set the Guinness World Record for the largest aerial sentence formed by multirotor/drones during their Fourth of July weekend performance last year in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The shows will take place on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8 when the Sod Poodles host the Tulsa Drillers (Double-A, Los Angeles Dodgers). Games are set to begin at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m.

For more information on promotions and other news, follow the team on social media @sodpoodles on Facebook, X, and Instagram. For questions and more information, call 806-803-7762 or email info@SodPoodles.com .

Dali's Wonderland exhibition opens at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) recently debuted its newest exhibit, "Dali's Wonderland."

PPHM is excited to welcome this new exhibition in its Bugbee Gallery. Originally published by Lewis Carroll in 1865, the dream-like world of "Alice in Wonderland" is a natural match for the surrealist art movement. A hundred years later, Salvador Dali, surrealism’s most important figure, illustrated a version of the story that incorporated his iconic melting clocks and other avant-garde imagery. Featuring a limited edition copy of the book from the personal library of Sybil B. Harrington, it was a gift from her daughter Sally. This book came into Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Collection in 2022 through the help of the Harrington House and Jessica Mallard at WT. "Dali’s Wonderland" explores the relationship between art and literature.

“Dali is one of the most recognizable artists of the 20th Century and the most known surrealist artist. I think it is important to highlight the significance of those kinds of movements and how they connect to our collection, here at PPHM. I think that this exhibition really connects our part of the world to the rest of the world. It also gives us the opportunity to take about art, literature and the connections between them, specifically Wonderland and Lewis Carroll’s iteration of Alice in Wonderland, to the surrealism movement which was heavily involved in literature, and poetry, etc,” said Deana Craighead, Curator of Art at PPHM.

"Dali’s Wonderland" is in partnership with the West Texas A&M University Information Technology Department. Thanks to this partnership, the exhibition will feature a virtual flipbook of Dali’s works. In the coming months, IT will also be working with to create an artificial intelligence and augmented reality aspects to this exhibition. The museum will offer some special programming this summer around the exhibition and those details will be announced soon.

Located on the campus of West Texas A&M University, PPHM offers visitors a chance to step into Texas Panhandle history with special exhibits, a permanent collection, special events and more. For more information about PPHM, visit www.panhandleplains.org.

Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour swimming to Amarillo Civic Center Complex on April 21

Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour will have two shows at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S Buchanan St. at noon and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21.

Tickets for the performances may be purchased online on the tour's site, www.babysharkontour.com. Tickets start at $25 (while supplies last - additional fees and taxes may apply) and are also available at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Box Office and panhandletickets.com. Prices are subject to change.

Nickelodeon, The Pinkfong Company and VStar Entertainment Group present Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour!, a brand-new interactive live stage show featuring characters from the globally beloved preschool property. This tour brings the underwater world of the hit animated series, Baby Shark’s Big Show!, to life through an all-new original story, as audience members come together with Baby Shark and his undersea friends to save the Party Puddle Theatre. Featuring unforgettable music, with exciting twists on classic Baby Shark tunes, and mesmerizing visual effects, this staged “swimtacular” is jampacked with action and adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

A limited number of Fintastic Photo Op tickets are available, starting at $50. This pre-show experience will provide an up close and in person photo opportunity with Baby Shark and includes an exclusive gift for each kid. Each adult and kid (age 1 & up) must have their own “Fintastic Photo Op” ticket. Each guest must have both a Fintastic Photo Op ticket and a Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour! show ticket (sold separately) for the same date.

For more information or to join the Whale Mail mailing list for presale and other exclusive offers, visit www.babysharkontour.com. Follow Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour! on Facebook and Instagram at @babysharkontour .

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello coming to Amarillo in June 2024

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their Sesame Street friends will be featured in an all-new live show, "Sesame Street Live! Say Hello," coming to Amarillo on June 26, 2024.

Tickets are available now online via panhandletickets.com . Round Room Live and Sesame Workshop are proud to announce the new live show, which will bring the beloved characters from the iconic Sesame Street to life in a brand-new interactive production that will tour the U.S. and Canada beginning in April 2024.

“For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts,” said Whit Higgins, Sesame Workshop Executive Vice President, Head of Global Enterprises, in a news release. “Round Room Live has a history of working with new and iconic properties to create engaging and thrilling live events. We can’t wait for families and friends to enjoy this brand-new Sesame Street show filled with song, dance, and a few fun and furry surprises.”

Fans can visit SesameStreetLive.com now for tour dates and ticket information, and follow Sesame Street Live social media for exclusive tour content. For more, visit www.SesameStreet.org .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo entertainment in brief for April 7, 2024